NaCSA Champions Youth Empowerment: Annual GPCYE Evaluation Workshop Held in Freetown...

*Freetown, Sierra Leone – December 12, 2025* - The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has hosted the annual programme evaluation workshop for the Pro-Poor Growth for Peace Consolidation and Youth Empowerment (GPCYE) initiative. The event, held at the Family Kingdom in Freetown, brought together senior government officials, technical experts, and stakeholders to assess progress, share lessons, and chart the way forward for one of Sierra Leone’s flagship social protection programs.

In her opening remarks, Madam Regina Saffa, Senior Director of Programmes, emphasized the centrality of evaluation in ensuring accountability and impact. *“This workshop is annual and we have learned a lot from it. We will continue to engage and ensure that the project is positioned to achieve its development objectives,”* she stated, urging participants to contribute actively to the discussions.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Susan Robert expressed heartfelt gratitude for her parliamentary approval and appointment, acknowledging the confidence placed in her by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. *“I owe this honor to my maker and to His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. I operate an open-door policy, and you are welcome for programmatic discussions,”* she affirmed.

Dr. Robert in highlighting the tangible achievements, noted that *’’the GPCYE program has over the past year impacted thousands of young people across Sierra Leone. We have provided financial support, skills training, and pathways to long-term employment. There has been significant progress in reducing vulnerability, enhancing productivity, and strengthening community resilience. At the same time, I must acknowledged challenges but we have strategic interventions to ensuring equitable access and improving monitoring systems.

In his keynote address, Amb. Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina expressed appreciation to President Bio for appointing Dr. Robert as Deputy Commissioner, describing her leadership as a valuable addition to NaCSA’s mission. He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and results-driven action.

*“The GPCYE program has already demonstrated its potential to reduce vulnerability, build resilience, and create pathways for young people to contribute meaningfully to national development. Today’s workshop provides an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned, strengthen partnerships, and chart a course for scaling up impact,”* he said.

The Commissioner concluded by commending partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries for their unwavering dedication. He stressed that Sierra Leone’s youth must be positioned not only as

The annual evaluation workshop serves as a cornerstone for NaCSA’s commitment to continuous improvement. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the Commission ensures that the GPCYE initiative remains responsive to the needs of Sierra Leone’s youth while aligning with national development priorities.

As the country continues to consolidate peace and pursue inclusive growth, the GPCYE program stands out as a beacon of hope and opportunity. With strengthened partnerships, refined strategies, and renewed commitment, NaCSA is poised to scale up its impact and empower the next generation to lead Sierra Leone toward a brighter future.

*For further information on this and other matters, please contact:*

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

*+23278155556/+23277022709/+23230518539*