National Volunteer Summit 2026 — October 30–31
Empowering Youth.
Building Nations.
African Youth Network is a youth-led movement turning volunteerism into a pathway for employability, leadership and national development across Sierra Leone.
Who We Are
A youth-led force for national transformation
The African Youth Network (AYN) is a youth-led non-governmental organisation headquartered in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Established with the motto “Empowering Youth. Building Nations.”, 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.
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 and the National Volunteer Summit, AYN bridges this gap.
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.
National Volunteer Summit 2026
Our flagship initiative: convening 500 young Sierra Leoneans to reframe volunteerism as a gateway to employability, leadership and civic engagement — and launching the country's first National Volunteer Hub.
Salone Youth Konnect
Our networking forum connecting young leaders across sectors — advocacy, technology, health, education, entrepreneurship — to build relationships that outlast the event.
What Guides Us
Seven values, one movement
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 Footprint
Impact across Sierra Leone
Flagship Initiative
National Volunteer Summit 2026
A two-day national convening of 500 selected young people — keynotes, CV and career clinics, a volunteer marketplace with 100+ placements, and the launch of Sierra Leone's first National Volunteer Hub.
Countdown to Day One
Registration is open — 500 delegates will be selected from all 16 districts.
Our Partners & Sponsors
Standing with Sierra Leone's youth
Organisations that believe in our mission to empower Sierra Leone's youth.
Work With Us
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 organisations 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 the official post-event report shared nationally and internationally.
Flexible support: partners can contribute through in-kind provision of goods and services, or financial contributions toward specific budget items.
Be Part of the Legacy
Shape a defining moment for Sierra Leone
“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
Contact for Partnership
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
Address
Freetown, Sierra Leone