Youth Employment in Sierra Leone: Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities in a Post-conflict Setting

Synopsis

Creating job opportunities for its large and growing number of young people is a key development challenge for the government of Soerra Leone. It is also crucial for maintaining peace and promoting pro-poor growth. Young people ages 15 to 35 years old are at a particular disadvantage potentially stunting their development and their transition into adulthood. This transition culminates with secure employment and the resources to provide for oneself and one's family. History suggests that marginalized young people can disrupt a peaceful society: youth who lacked education and access to job opportunities
were at the core of the recent conflict, and it is important that this cycle not be repeated. The challenge is how to support their transition to adulthood and in the process, avoid future conflict.