Safer Future Youth Development Project implemented a “Mobile Life Skills Training Unit” with the support of the local government of Vorarlberg(Austria) in 2002/03.

The aim is to develop rural communities by extending life skills training programmes to areas which have no opportunity to obtain  any technical or vocational education.

This programme is very successful as it is able to contribute in the re-integration and training of war affected youth and other disadvantaged young people.

SFYDP have found many  organisations have previously refused to extend their actions in very remote and rural communities due to bad roads, long distances, cost and many other constraints involved involved in such initiatives. Although inroads are being made into some areas in the country, the largest share of the country continues to suffer from high levels of illiteracy and unemployments.

With the help of the local project staff, over 120 rural people have benefited directly from the mobile life skills programme, enable them to improve upon their day to day lives through new  knowledge and skills.

A total of 6 rural communities in Sierra Leone significantly affected  by war took part in the programme. The goal was to establish education activities in poor rural areas and create new opportunities and facilities for learning.

Workshops on different topics were offered, such as community formation, financial management, family life education, HIV/AIDS education and conflict management. Likewise offered was training in Gara Tye dye and Soap production due to the natural abundance of palm oil and high costs for soap. the production of these two goods has created an income opportunity for the villagers who are traditionally farmers.

The programme was divided into five units and after completion of the training, a tool kit for soap production was given to each working group to guarantee an immediate start and ensure sustainability and self employment.

“Development groups” were formed within the community to manage the soap business and to guarantee  proper administration and evaluation of activities.

 
Funds raised from production of soap and dye help communities to meet different financial burdens such as school fees, medical treatment, and maintenance of farmland.