Save the Children has handed over its coastal resilience project to 12 communities in Pujehun and Bonthe. The project improved livelihoods, protected mangroves, and empowered locals through VSLAs, eco-friendly ovens, and training. Communities now lead the way forward.
Save the Children has officially handed over its Sustainable Livelihoods and Community-led Conservation Project to the people of Pujehun and Bonthe Districts. This project, which lasted almost three years, helped communities become more resilient, improved how families earn money, and supported efforts to protect the environment in Sierra Leone’s coastal areas.
The handover ceremonies took place in both districts—on 1st July in Pujehun and on 3rd July in Bonthe. Community leaders, government officials, civil society groups and people involved in the project all attended. They praised the project’s approach of letting the communities lead and encouraged everyone to keep the progress going.
In total, Save the Children worked with 12 coastal communities. The project helped them find and use their own solutions to serious issues like environmental damage, poor farming practices, and climate change. Some of the key activities included:
- Better farming techniques to grow more food
- New fish smoking ovens that use less firewood
- Village savings and loan groups to help people save and start small businesses
- Sand banks to stop floods
- Protecting mangrove forests
Project results and community impact
The project directly helped over 11,000 people, including women, men, and children. It supported the creation of 12 VSLAs, which helped families save money and take small loans to grow their businesses. This raised family incomes. It also built 12 fish ovens that used less firewood, helping to protect mangrove forests.
Environmental clubs were set up in six schools. More than 120 pupils joined and took part in conservation activities. The communities also made their own environmental by-laws to protect mangroves and stop harmful activities like cutting trees and slash-and-burn farming.
Speaking at the Bonthe event, Save the Children’s Regional Manager, Alfred Koroma, said the project began two and a half years ago with full community involvement.
“We started this journey with you. We listened, learned together, and implemented the ideas you brought forward. We have shared everything we know, provided the tools and skills, and we are confident you can take it forward from here,” he said.
Community reflections and commitment
The Project Manager, Abdul Akim Sheriff, gave a summary of the project and asked people to share what worked well and what could be better. He spoke about how successful the savings groups were and how the fish ovens helped reduce mangrove cutting. He also said the cooperation of the community made the project work.
Representatives from Bonthe said they were happy with the results and promised to help keep it going.
Other leaders, including representatives of the District Planning Office, the Paramount Chief, the Regent of Imperi Chiefdom, and civil society groups, also promised to support and continue the work.
A call for local leadership
"We are proud of what these communities have achieved, and we encourage everyone to maintain the progress. Grow your businesses, protect your environment, and continue building a better future." Save the Children Country Director, Patrick Analo, said at the Pujehun event,
Dr Modupe Taiwo, Save the Children’s Director of Programmes and Operations, closed the ceremony by thanking everyone for their support.
“Save the Children is grateful to everyone who contributed to the successful implementation of this project. The resources, time, and commitment invested have helped us achieve our goals,” she said.
Dr Taiwo reminded everyone that Save the Children’s role is to help support change, not to take over.
“We do not have the capacity or the resources to do the work of the government or the community. Our role is to support. Now it is time for you, the people and the government, to be in the driver’s seat,” she added.
Looking ahead
Now that the handover is complete, the communities in Pujehun and Bonthe will continue the work. Local leaders, government staff, and civil society groups have promised to help.
The Sustainable Livelihoods and Community-led Conservation Project was funded by Jersey Overseas Aid. It aimed to make life better for coastal communities by protecting the environment, improving food security, and helping people earn a living in sustainable ways.
As the project ends, the communities now have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to keep protecting their environment and improving their lives for years to come.
