Network Movement for Justice and Development

Christian Aid Ends 4-Day Monitoring Visit in Kono District

Christian Aid Sierra Leone has yesterday, Friday 8th May 2026 concluded a four-day monitoring and assessment visit to NMJD operational communities in Kono district, eastern region of Sierra Leone. The Christian Aid team visited Gbukuma and Bandasuma communities in Gbense and Fiama Chiefdoms respectively. The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress or otherwise towards the implementation of the project titled: “Providing Alternatives to Conflict in Cattle Settlement Communities”, which NMJD and its partners are implementing in Kono district. The project is funded by the Irish Aid through Christian Aid Sierra Leone under the Ireland Civil Society Partnership (ICSP).

During interactions with the Christian Aid monitoring team, the community people appreciated the project and emphasized the importance of the ongoing regular dialogue in a serene and conducive environment where hitherto protagonists would sit together and discuss issues affected them and their communities, unlike before when such a platform did not exist.

As outcomes of the project interventions, the local communities said the development and enforcement of the bylaws to regulate the relationship between cattle rearers and crop farmers has enhanced peaceful co-existence and significantly reduced hostilities and conflicts between the two groups of farmers. Other key project achievements include the engagement of the two farmer groups in trade transactions, operating joint savings groups, women-led farming collaborations, use of cow dung as organic fertilizer, and the increased awareness on the importance of community safety.

The women also told the monitoring team that the income they are generating from their farming activities is crucial towards meeting their daily family needs, especially their health, education and food needs. According to these women, this is happening because of the reigning peace between the herders and crop farmers, as well as the redress and conflict resolution mechanisms contained in the community bylaws.

Also, the Christian monitoring team engaged beneficiaries of the YouLead project which NMJD is implementing in Kono district. This project, which focuses on youth empowerment, is funded by the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone through Christian Aid Ireland.

The Christian Aid team engaged the direct beneficiaries and stakeholders of the project, and they collectively identified the challenges faced in the project implementation and the opportunities available to them. The objective of this engagement was to strengthen coordination between implementing partners, local authorities, and community members to ensure effective project delivery.

NMJD Conducts Refresher Training for CAGs in Kono District

With funding from the Irish Government through Christian Aid Sierra Leone, the Network Movement for Justice and Development under the PACE Project hosted a week-long refresher training at the Women’s Resource Centre in Koidu, targeting 60 members of the Community Action Groups (CAGs) drawn from the project chiefdoms of Lei, Fiama, and Gbense in Kono district and Nyedu and Neya in Falaba district.

The purpose of the refresher training was to raise greater awareness and upskill CAG members on basic community monitoring skills and assessing compliance levels regarding the use of byelaws, which are strategic to their work. The training also sought to improve the ability of the CAG members to manage and resolve conflicts among community members within their respective communities.

Also, the training was intended to support, encourage, and motivate CAG members to become more proactive in carrying out their monitoring exercises and other community engagement responsibilities.

The overarching objectives of this exercise are to build and strengthen the understanding of CAG members on conflict management, mediation, and conflicts resolution strategies, as well as to increase the knowledge of CAG members in respect of their roles and responsibilities in project implementation.

This Labour Day, we celebrate the strength, skill, and spirit of workers across Sierra Leone.
Every job matters. Every worker deserves respect.

A fair and safe workplace is the foundation of development.

Happy International Labour Day!

Supported by ChristianAid through the EU-funded YouLead Project "Catalyzing Youth Leadership in Decision Making and Economic Life for Inclusive Development”. NMJD conducted a Two-Day Entrepreneurship & Business Development Training on 28–29 April 2026 at the Women in Development Resource Centre (Kissibona), Koidu City, Kono District.

The initiative engaged 250 youths from 14 chiefdoms, ensuring significant representation with 105 young women and 30 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) included. Participants acquired practical competencies in entrepreneurship mindset, opportunity identification, business idea generation and validation, business planning (vision, mission, SMART goals), financial literacy, marketing and customer service (including digital fundamentals), access to finance and village savings models, legal and regulatory compliance, pitching, and networking.

Notably, majority of participants prepared draft business plans and basic cashflow projections, and 50 promising business ideas spanning agribusiness, animal husbandry, ICT services, and renewable energy were presented. Additionally, youth established Chiefdom-level Youth Business Networks to foster peer support and collaborative efforts.

Moving forward, NMJD will evaluate the participants, deliver advanced training to 80 entrepreneurs, and propose 50 business ideas for potential grant consideration, followed by mentorship and linkage facilitation.

Happy Independence Day, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱

​Today, as we join all Sierra Leoneans in commemorating our nation’s independence, we reflect on the journey we have traveled together.

At NMJD, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a society built on the principles of justice, equity, and sustainable development.

​On this significant day, we celebrate the resilience and potential of our people. Let us continue to unite our efforts to build a more prosperous and just Sierra Leone for current and future generations.

​We wish everyone a peaceful and reflective celebration.
​

NMJD team wrapped up their four-day TOT in Kamakwie, Karene Districts by reflecting on essential areas, including ways to support disclosure, maintain confidentiality, set up referral systems, and engage men to foster women's participation. Throughout the sessions, community facilitators and staff learned how vital it is to encourage disclosure and to involve men in supporting women’s roles in decision-making, both at home and within their communities. The training relied on the Masidama manual to examine existing beliefs and attitudes and benefited from the expertise of Trocaire’s Women’s Empowerment Lead. The program concluded with high energy as participants exchanged perspectives and discussed new knowledge gained over the four days.

NMJD has continued the four days Training of Trainers (TOT) in Kamakwie, Karene Districts with the successful completion of Days 2 and 3. Over the past two days, community facilitators and field staffs engaged in structured sessions designed to strengthen their competencies in group facilitation, adult learning principles, and the management of challenges that may arise during community engagements.

Participants also undertook guided reflections on the different forms of power and control that exist within households and communities. This exercise aimed to deepen their understanding of social dynamics and enhance their ability to support constructive dialogue in diverse settings.

With technical guidance from Trocaire’s Women’s Empowerment Lead, the training drew on the Masidama Core Facilitation Skills and Explore Beliefs and Attitudes manuals. These resources are equipping facilitators with practical tools and methodologies essential for the effective implementation of the Masidama approach.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

NMJD is recruiting! We’re looking for passionate and qualified individuals to join our Kono team in delivering community‑driven development and strengthening women’s economic empowerment.

Open Positions:
Facilitators (2 positions) – Kono
Finance Officer (1 position) – Kono

Deadline: Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 at 3:30 pm.

Qualified women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Full details available on our website: https://www.nmjdsl.org/vacancy-announcement/

NMJD is currently running a four-day Training of Trainers (TOT) event in Kamakwie, Sella Limba Chiefdom, Karene District from the 13th to the 16th. The session is designed to provide community facilitators and field staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully apply the Masidama methodology.

This TOT encourages participants to examine their own beliefs and behaviors, promoting self-awareness and critical thinking about traditional norms. By questioning these norms, facilitators and staff will be better equipped to guide communities toward positive social change.

The training follows the Masidama manuals, which focus on key facilitation techniques and reflection on personal attitudes and beliefs. Trocaire’s Women’s Empowerment Lead will also support the program, ensuring that gender equality is emphasized throughout the discussions. After completing the TOT, facilitators and staff will be prepared to conduct bi-weekly Masidama sessions, lead community dialogues to question existing norms, and help empower women at the local level.