By Ibrahim Sesay

Caritas Freetown, in partnership with Tadris Foundation, has celebrated the graduation of young people who completed their six months intensive vocational training under the Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding Project funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. The ceremony, held hosted at the Beaconsfield Community Hall on Saturday May 31,  2025 marked a significant step toward youth empowerment, peacebuilding and economic independence as the graduates have been equipped with training on tailoring, hairdressing and make up artistry.

Nine of the graduates were sponsored by Caritas Freetown as part of a broader plan to empower youth and build middle-level manpower.

Anita Esther Momoh, CEO and founder of Tadris Foundation, explained the origins of her initiative.


"While working at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, I saw the deep need to empower young people. That’s why I started this Foundation to provide practical skills like hairdressing, tailoring and makeup."

She added that the centre began with only five students, some of whom were on scholarship. However, their presence on social media helped them grow and eventually partner with Caritas Freetown.

"Today, we’re not just training more students; we’re also planning to expand into catering, pastry-making, literacy and business workshops," Anita Esther Momoh said. "Our goal is to register under the TechVoc program with the Ministry of Higher Education to gain accreditation and increase our impact."

She cautioned graduates against misusing their startup kits while urging them to use the kits to kick-start their businesses and transform their lives.

Eliza Sillah, Program Manager at Caritas Freetown, echoed the vision and rationale behind their support.


"We supported nine students as part of our project to build youth capacity and enable economic empowerment. Now that they have the skills and the tools it’s up to them to use them wisely and live peacefully in their communities," she said.

Representing the public sector, Dr. Victor Massaquoi, Principal of the Civil Service College, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative.


"Reports show 70% of youth in Sierra Leone are unemployed. With these skills, you’ve reduced that number today," he said. "But remember, character matters. Skill without good character will limit your growth as a professional and entrepreneur."

In her keynote address, Ramatu Kargbo, representing the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, emphasized the national impact of the graduates’ achievements.


"We've heard your testimonies. You are no longer who you were when you started; you are confident and ready to face the world," she said.

She connected women’s empowerment to broader national goals, stating that: "When we empower women, we strengthen families, fuel our economy and build an inclusive society."

Ramatu Kargbo also outlined the Ministry’s work on some of the legal reforms which has occurred to protect women and promote leadership


"We’ve passed the GEWE Act to advocate for 30% female leadership, and amended the Sexual Offenses Act for stricter justice mechanisms," she said.

Kadie Sesay, a graduate, shared her experience and transformation.


"I used to idle at home, sleeping all day. Then I found Tadris on TikTok. My sisters encouraged me to enroll and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. I thank God for the strength to complete this phase of empowerment."

Fudia Dumbuya, also a graduate, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity.


"I want to thank Caritas Freetown for sponsoring me. As a person with a disability, I was doing nothing before. Now, as a trained hairdresser, I can support myself and become self-reliant," she said.

The graduation ceremony concluded with the symbolic distribution of startup kits and certificates. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/caritas-freetown-tadris-foundation-celebrate-youth-graduation-in-vocational-training/