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Women & Youths’ Development Center Sierra Leone

foesl.kenema@gmail.com, Sierra Leone
Joined January 2025

Friends of the Earth Sierra Leone works across Sierra Leone, promoting environmental conservation, land rights justice, and climate resilience. We empower communities through education.

Presence in: Sierra Leone
Focus: Children's Rights, Community / Customary Land Rights, Community Organizing, Community Paralegals, Criminal Justice, Disability Rights, Education, Environmental Justice, Ethnic / Religious Minorities' Rights, Financial Sustainability & Fundraising, Gender-based violence, Generalist Legal Services, Governance, Accountability & Transparency, Health, HIV/Aids, Livelihoods, Peace-building & Transitional Justice, Policy Advocacy, Protection & Safety, Right to Information, Traditional / Customary Justice, Women's Rights

Friends of the Earth Sierra Leone: Who We Are
Friends of the Earth Sierra Leone (FoESL) is an environmental and social justice organization committed to protecting Sierra Leone’s natural resources, advancing sustainable development, and empowering local communities. Operating across rural and urban areas, FoESL addresses critical issues such as land rights, climate change, biodiversity conservation, water management, and sustainable agriculture. We collaborate with marginalized groups, including women, youth, and indigenous populations, to promote equitable access to resources and ensure their voices are integral to decision-making processes. Our work aligns with global movements for environmental justice while tailoring solutions to Sierra Leone’s unique socio-economic and ecological challenges.

What We Do
FoESL focuses on seven core areas: land rights justice, environmental conservation, climate resilience, water management, sustainable agriculture, community development, and policy advocacy. We protect forests and ecosystems through restoration projects, combat deforestation, and promote sustainable farming practices to address food security. By engaging communities, we strengthen their resilience to climate change impacts and advocate for renewable energy adoption. Our work also includes improving access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in rural areas, while implementing infrastructure projects like school rehabilitations and sanitation facilities. At the policy level, we influence national and international frameworks to prioritize community needs and environmental protection.

How We Work
Our approach centers on community engagement, partnerships, and integrated solutions. We empower communities through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives, enabling them to take ownership of conservation and development efforts.