Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AFS Intercultural Programs to expand opportunities for youth participation in global education and exchange programs.
The agreement was finalized during the closing ceremony of Sierra Leone’s side event at the AFS Youth Assembly in New York. Minister Chernor Bah and AFS President and CEO Daniel Obst signed the MOU, which follows two years of planning and collaboration.
AFS, a global non-profit operating in more than 60 countries, provides intercultural learning and exchange initiatives. Under the partnership, Sierra Leonean students, educators, and young leaders will gain access to programs such as the AFS Global STEM Accelerators, the Global STEM Educator initiative, the Effect+ for the Classroom program, and future Youth Assemblies.
“This partnership is both deeply personal and nationally significant,” Bah said, highlighting his long-standing association with AFS since speaking at its centennial celebration in Paris in 2014.
Obst described the agreement as a milestone, saying it would equip young people with the skills, networks, and perspectives needed to address global challenges and lead in their communities.
The MOU includes commitments to provide cross-cultural training, leadership development, and exchange opportunities aimed at building global competencies and promoting civic engagement among Sierra Leone’s youth.
