By Thaimu T Kamara
The Kambia District Development Rehabilitation Organisation (KaDDRO) has facilitated internship opportunities for 40 college students in Kambia District. The students were certified after completing their internship in various institutions across the district. The initiative, funded by the European Union, is a major step toward equipping youths with practical skills and experiences crucial for their career paths.
Speaking at the certification event, Mohamed Salieu Bangura, the Executive Director of the organization, emphasized its importance in shaping the next generation of professionals. “This internship programme is not just about providing temporary placements,” he explained. “It is about building a foundation for these students to excel in their chosen fields. By exposing them to real-world experiences, we are preparing them to be competitive in the job market and to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.”
The initiative has been widely lauded for its approach to bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. By partnering with various institutions in Kambia District, the programme ensures that students gain hands-on experience in fields relevant to their studies, ranging from education and health to agriculture and administration.
Umaro K Bah, the District Officer for MOGCA in Kambia District also shed light on the important of this process to the students and how it is crucial to acquiring relevant hands-on skills.
The EU’s financial support has been instrumental in ensuring the programme’s success. Through their funding, KaDDRO has been able to provide logistical support, stipends, and resources to both the students and host institutions, creating a sustainable and impactful programme.
Thomas KJ, the programme manager of WESFORD –SL, said the internship initiative helps students know how to manage office and other related programmes in any institutions. He urged students to take the opportunity seriously.
Louis Woobay, the programme manager for Timap for Women’s Empowerment in Kambia District, noted that the program is essential for women in Kambia District. “I’m happy to inform members here today that we have benefited a lot from this programme and we hope the programme will continue in Sierra Leone,” he said.
Mohamed Turay, the District Agriculture Officer (DAO) for Kambia District, told this medium in an interview that the internship programme is very vital to the students. “As far as agriculture is concern in Sierra Leone, we are committed to bringing young people to contribute greatly to the growth of agriculture in the country.
Many beneficiaries of the initiative expressed their gratitude, highlighting how the internship has boosted their confidence and enhanced their employability.
Ibrahim TM Yillah, a beneficiary stated: “This opportunity has allowed me to put my classroom knowledge into practice and gain insights that I would never have gotten from textbooks alone.”
Students are introduced to different areas in agriculture, like agriculture engineering, agricultural extension and several others.
The partnership between KaDDRO and the EU is a testament to what can be achieved when local organisations and international donors work together to invest in the future of Sierra Leone’s youths.
KaDDRO has reaffirmed that the internship programme is just one of many initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and creating opportunities for young people.