“I am forever grateful to MBB for…”

“I am forever grateful to MBB for helping us to achieve our goal of peaceful elections in Sierra Leone. I gained so much insight about myself and others and practical skills on dialogue and conflict transformation that I am using in developing my organisation and community.” Ebu Daramy, Coordinator, United Social Youth Development Association

You may not have heard about the recent national elections in Sierra Leone. More than likely it was because they were free of violence. For a country still emerging from the devastation of a decade-long civil war, elections can mean either descending into another violent conflict or moving forward with a peaceful, democratic society.

In 2012, MBB project volunteers worked with local partners on the ground to build a national movement for unity and peace. It began in Freetown with university students concerned about violence over student elections. It then grew to a coalition of 40 grassroots organizations in 4 regions. They, in turn, engaged 250 stakeholders in a dialogue about Sierra Leone’s future. Bringing together youth, women, media, military, police, religious, tribal and political leaders, the dialogues coupled with conflict transformation training empowered the diverse participants to promote peaceful elections at a grassroots level. 

Now that elections have passed without violence, MBB’s partners in Sierra Leone want to do more to build a prosperous future. Women want to run for office to further peace and inclusion. Tribal leaders desire mediation training to resolve conflict at the local level. Youth are interested in leadership development to start shaping their country’s future. Many are eager to be trained to teach others conflict transformation to grow this national movement for unity and peace.

Please contribute to this MBB project, as we work with our seven local partner organizations, as they transform Sierra Leone!