By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Some young people of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom in Lungi have Monday July 29th 2024 raised concerns over the unemployment rate in Kaffu Bullom chiefdom. The challenges faced by the youths due to high unemployment rates and the rising cost of living have become a focal point of concern. Both literate and illiterate youths are voicing their frustrations, seeking immediate intervention from the government to address these pressing issues.
During a recent visit to one of the Local “Ataya” bases, I joined a conversation among a group of men passionately discussing the dire unemployment situation. Alhaji Sankoh, a graduate from Ernest Bai Koroma University, shared his disheartening experience. “It has been two years since I graduated, and despite all my efforts, I have not been able to secure a job,” he lamented. Sankoh’s story is a stark reminder of the unfulfilled promises and the growing despondency among graduates.
Morlai Kargbo, another young man, spoke up, highlighting the plight of those without formal education. “I didn’t go to school, but I am pleading with the government to provide jobs for us as youths and citizens of Sierra Leone,” Kargbo said. His plea echoes the sentiment of many young people in Kaffu Bullom who feel abandoned and neglected.
Adding to the chorus of dissatisfaction, Mariatu Conteh, a graduate from Milton Margai College, expressed her frustration. “They say we have the airport here in Kaffu Bullom, yet we are not employed,” she noted. The presence of a significant infrastructure such as the airport has not translated into job opportunities for the local population, exacerbating their sense of disenfranchisement.
Aminata Turay, a trader in the Tintafor market, shared her struggle to make ends meet. “I just engaged in this business because there is nothing else to do to earn a living. Things are just too difficult for us petty traders because prices are changing every day and we have little capital. Papa government, we need jobs, please,” Turay pleaded.
The voices of these youths paint a clear picture of the economic hardships in Kaffu Bullom. Their stories reflect a broader national crisis where the youth, despite their education and willingness to work, find themselves trapped in a cycle of unemployment and poverty. The government’s attention is urgently needed to create sustainable job opportunities and stabilize the economy, ensuring a brighter future for the young people of Sierra Leone.
As the country continues to grapple with its economic challenges, it is imperative that the voices of the youth in Kaffu Bullom are heard and addressed. Their call for jobs and a better standard of living is not just a plea for help but a demand for their right to a dignified and prosperous life.