Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah and Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the closing ceremony of Sierra Leone’s exciting side event at the annual AFS Youth Assembly. This MOU solidifies a strategic partnership that has been developing for two years.
With a century-old global non-profit presence in more than 60 countries, AFS Intercultural Programs is committed to fostering intercultural learning, global education, and transformative exchange programs to create a more equitable and peaceful world. Through participation in the AFS Youth Assembly itself, as well as programs like the renowned AFS Global STEM Accelerators, the AFS Global STEM Educator initiative, and the Effect+ for the Classroom program, this agreement will put Sierra Leone’s youth, educators, and students at the centre of these opportunities.
Minister Bah recalled his longstanding relationship with AFS, which dates back to his early days of youth advocacy, and his role as keynote speaker at their centennial celebration in Paris in 2014. He said, “This partnership is both deeply personal and nationally significant.” “AFS has accompanied me on my journey, and it will now accompany Sierra Leone in cultivating a new generation of self-assured, globally-minded change makers.”
As part of the agreement, Sierra Leone and AFS will collaborate to offer leadership development, cross-cultural training, and exchange programs that will foster social entrepreneurship, increase global competencies, and encourage civic engagement both domestically and internationally.
“We are excited to partner with Sierra Leone in expanding access to transformative intercultural experiences,” said Daniel Obst, who hailed the agreement as a significant milestone. By working together, we can make sure that youth acquire the knowledge, connections, and viewpoints necessary to address global issues and take on leadership roles in their communities.
The signing signifies the beginning of a significant chapter in Sierra Leone’s dedication to creating an inclusive, empowered, and globally connected future in addition to the conclusion of two years of strategic engagement and planning.
