Upcoming Event: June 12-13, 2026

National Volunteer Summit 2026

Redefining Volunteerism in Sierra Leone – A Movement to Empower 500 Youths

12 – 13 June 2026 Miatta Civic Center, Freetown 500 Participants

In Sierra Leone, volunteerism remains underdeveloped and widely misunderstood. The National Volunteer Summit will reframe volunteerism from unpaid work to a pathway for growth, employability, and national development.

500 Youth Participants
100+ Volunteer Placements
20+ Partner Organizations
Who We Are

About African Youth Network

Background

The African Youth Network (AYN) is a youth-led non-governmental organization headquartered in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Established with the motto "Creating excellent futures for children and young people", AYN is committed to addressing the pressing challenges that young people face across Africa. Guided by the African Youth Policy and aligned with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, AYN works to safeguard, educate, and empower youth while promoting leadership, peace, and social justice.

Our Vision

To remain steadfast in addressing the needs of young people through volunteerism, strategic developmental programs, and partnerships that reduce challenges faced by youth.

Our Mission

To empower young people including those with disabilities and marginalized backgrounds through education, vocational skills, volunteerism, and knowledge-based training.

Why Youth Empowerment and Networking

At the heart of AYN's work is the belief that empowered youth are catalysts for national transformation. Across Sierra Leone, many young leaders are already driving change in their respective fields, yet often lack the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and scale their impact. By creating platforms such as Salone Youth Konnect, AYN bridges this gap.

AYN Logo
180+ Youth Leaders Connected
7 Core Values

"Creating excellent futures for children and young people"

Our Core Values

AYN is grounded in seven core values that shape every program and partnership

Leadership

Equipping youth to inspire and guide their communities.

Advocacy

Amplifying young voices on issues that affect their future.

Volunteerism

Fostering a culture of service and responsibility.

Climate Action

Engaging youth in addressing environmental challenges.

Gender Equality

Promoting inclusive participation and equity for all.

Entrepreneurship

Nurturing innovation and economic self-reliance.

Education

Ensuring access to quality learning and lifelong skills.

Our Team

AYN Leadership & Team

At the heart of our work is the guidance and commitment of our executive leadership and organizing team, whose vision and passion inspire every step of the journey.

Executive Leadership

Kenneth Jayah

Kenneth Jayah

Founder & Executive Director

Visionary leader driving AYN's mission to empower Sierra Leone's youth through strategic programs and partnerships.

Mohamed Alie Sankoh

Mohamed Alie Sankoh

Research & Project Officer

Leading research initiatives and project development to ensure evidence-based youth empowerment programs.

Abdulai Aziz Samura

Abdulai Aziz Samura

Communications & Design Officer

Crafting compelling narratives and visual identities that amplify AYN's impact across digital platforms.

Idrissa Kargbo

Idrissa Kargbo

Financial Officer

Managing organizational finances with transparency and accountability to maximize resource impact.

Joseph Atunwa

Joseph Atunwa

Media and Production Officer

Capturing and producing multimedia content that tells the stories of youth transformation.

Organizing & Volunteer Team

Behind the scenes, an energetic and passionate team of young people worked tirelessly to make Salone Youth Konnect 2025 seamless, engaging, and impactful.

Augustine Martin Martinez

Augustine Martin Martinez

Organizing Team Member

Dedicated volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Salone Youth Konnect 2025 was seamless.

Precious Smith

Precious Smith

Organizing Team Member

Passionate team member whose energy and commitment helped create an engaging experience.

Millicent Baoteng

Millicent Baoteng

Organizing Team Member

Key contributor to event logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail carried excellence.

Mariama Sahid

Mariama Sahid

Organizing Team Member

Vital team member who helped fill the event with warmth and order through dedicated service.

Cremelda Mae

Cremelda Mae

Organizing Team Member

Committed volunteer whose service formed the foundation on which the success was built.

"To our volunteers, whose energy filled the event with warmth and order. You are the unsung heroes of this story. Your commitment to service is the foundation on which this success was built."
— AYN Executive Team
Our Programs

Activities & Events

From successful networking forums to upcoming transformative summits, we create platforms that empower youth and drive national development.

Successfully Completed

Salone Youth Konnect 2025

Connecting Leaders, Building Legacy

July 26, 2025 Creative Hub Africa
180+ Youth Leaders
4 Major Initiatives
10+ Partner Orgs
Multiple Sectors

Executive Summary

On July 26th, 2025, the African Youth Network (AYN) successfully hosted its flagship event, Salone Youth Konnect 2025, a landmark national networking forum that convened over 180 youth leaders from across Sierra Leone. Representing diverse sectors such as advocacy, journalism, technology, law, agriculture, health, education, and entrepreneurship, the event provided a unique platform for young change-makers to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas.

Program Highlights

Arrival & Chill Time
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Arrival & Chill Time

The event opened with a warm atmosphere, accompanied by light music and ice-breaking activities.

Open Mic
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Open Mic: Music, Poetry & Freestyle

Participants shared talents in music, poetry, rap, and spoken word in a free-flowing space.

Networking Game
5:00 – 5:45 PM
Freestyle Networking Game

Youth leaders engaged in dynamic networking circles with thought-provoking questions.

Dream Wall
5:45 – 6:10 PM
Creative Station: The Dream Wall

Participants wrote their dreams and goals on colorful sticky notes, creating a powerful visual.

Youth Challenge
6:10 – 6:30 PM
Youth Challenge: Mystery Box & Fun Games

Teams competed in dance-offs, finish-the-lyric, and guessing games with guests.

Closing Session
6:30 – 7:00 PM
Closing Session: Final Vibes & Group Photo

The program concluded with shout-outs, gratitude, and a lively group photo session.

Success Stories & Impact

August 10, 2025
He4She Collaboration for Grassroots Impact

A strategic partnership organized a Training of Trainers ahead of International Youth Day.

August 12, 2025
Community Sensitization at Susan's Bay

Youth leaders led a campaign tackling drug abuse, gender equality, and education issues.

August 30, 2025
Nyamakoro Foundation's Healing Gathering

Mobilized youth leaders to host a picnic and healing gathering for FGM survivors.

October 14-18, 2025
Youth Leadership at the National Girls' Summit

Youth leaders actively involved in planning the National Girls' Summit in Makeni.

Coming Soon

National Volunteer Summit 2026

Redefining Volunteerism in Sierra Leone

June 12-13, 2026 Miatta Civic Center
500 Youth Participants
100+ Volunteer Placements
20+ Partner Organizations
6 Months Follow-Up

The Challenge

  • Volunteerism Undervalued: Many young people view it solely as unpaid labor.
  • Missed Employability Pathways: Graduates leave university with limited practical experience.
  • Weak Civic Engagement: Fewer youth actively contribute to community development.
  • 60%+ Youth Unemployment: Underscores the urgent need for alternative pathways.

Our Solution

A two-day landmark event convening 500 youth to reframe volunteerism from unpaid work to a pathway for growth.

1
Inspiration & Awareness

Keynote speakers from government, civil society, and private sector.

2
Capacity Building

Professional CV and career development experts.

3
Volunteer Opportunities

100+ volunteer placements and job opportunities.

Summit Schedule

D1
Day 1: June 12, 2026

Inspiration & Awareness

  • Opening ceremony with government and civil society leaders
  • Keynote speeches on volunteerism's transformative power
  • Panel discussions with industry experts
  • Networking sessions with partner organizations
D2
Day 2: June 13, 2026

Capacity Building & Opportunities

  • CV writing and interview preparation workshops
  • Volunteer marketplace with 100+ opportunities
  • One-on-one career counseling sessions
  • Launch of National Volunteer Hub

Impact & Outcomes

500 Youth Sensitized On volunteerism's importance
500 Professional CVs Developed or improved
500 Youth Trained On interview skills
100+ Placements Minimum youth placed
20+ Partners Organizations engaged
6 Follow-up Months of support
Get Involved

Partnership Opportunities

Strategic collaboration for mutual impact and national transformation. Join us in empowering Sierra Leone's youth.

Venue & Event Logistics

Hall space, seating arrangements, stage setup, sound systems, and projection equipment for 500 participants.

Catering & Refreshments

Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages for 500 participants across the two-day summit.

Printing & Branding

Banners, flyers, certificates, programs, and branded materials for the event.

Media & Publicity

Radio coverage, TV features, photography, videography, and livestreaming services.

Training & Facilitation

Expert speakers, CV consultants, career coaches, and workshop facilitators.

Volunteer Marketplace

Exhibition booths and spaces for partner organizations to showcase opportunities.

Value for Partners

What you gain by partnering with us

Brand Visibility

Prominent logo placement on banners, programs, stage backdrops, certificates, and digital platforms.

Media Recognition

Inclusion in press releases, radio/TV features, and social media campaigns reaching 50,000+.

Direct Engagement

Opportunities to interact with 500 participants and national stakeholders during sessions.

Legacy Recognition

Acknowledgment in official post-event report shared nationally and internationally.

Flexible Support: Partners can contribute through in-kind provision of goods/services or financial contributions toward specific budget items.

Our Partners & Sponsors

Organizations that believe in our mission

Afrimoney Afrimoney Sponsor
Creative Hub Africa Creative Hub Africa Sponsor
Born2Blog Born2Blog Partner
J03 Arts J03 Arts Partner
GADNET GADNET Collaborator
SHE4Peace SHE4Peace Collaborator

Be Part of the Legacy

The National Volunteer Summit 2026 is not merely an event—it is a defining moment in Sierra Leone's youth development journey. Every contribution shapes a future where volunteerism becomes part of our national identity.

"Be part of the legacy. Be part of the movement. Partner with us to make the National Volunteer Summit 2026 a reality."
— Kenneth Jayah, Founder & Executive Director, AYN
Get In Touch

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our work, partnership opportunities, or how you can get involved.

Send us a Message

Email us africanyouthnetwork20@gmail.com
Call us +232 30 571 516 / +232 76 283 305
Visit us Freetown, Sierra Leone

Quick Response

We typically respond to inquiries within 24-48 hours. For urgent matters, please call us directly.

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