Young Sierra Leoneans Leading the Way Through the CPS Project
In Sierra Leone, young people and women often find themselves on the frontlines of conflict — not as combatants, but as those who bear the deepest scars of violence. At the Men’s Association for Gender Equality – Sierra Leone (MAGE-SL), we believe that true peace begins when communities themselves have the tools to prevent violence before it starts.
Through the Civil Peace Service (CPS) project, MAGE-SL works with youth, women, and local leaders to strengthen dialogue, resolve conflicts peacefully, and promote social cohesion. The project empowers a new generation of Peace Ambassadors — young Sierra Leoneans who are proving that peace is possible when people choose understanding over anger.
“When we talk about war, we are the people who suffer the most.” – Zainab, Peace Ambassador
Zainab, one of MAGE-SL’s passionate Peace Ambassadors, knows too well the human cost of conflict. Reflecting on the local Krio saying, “Kumbra foul nɔ de jump faya” — a brooding hen doesn’t jump into fire — she highlights the instinctive desire for safety, particularly among women and mothers during times of unrest.
“For young women like me,” Zainab explains, “violence means danger for families, children, and entire communities.”
Her message resonates across Sierra Leone: women are not passive victims of war — they are essential agents of peace. The CPS project supports young women like Zainab to facilitate dialogue, mediate disputes, and lead awareness campaigns on the importance of non-violence and equality.
“When violence occurs in communities, it can bring a lot of problems to us, especially the youth.” – Battie, Peace Ambassador
Battie, another Peace Ambassador, has seen how political and social tensions can divide families and neighbours. Through the CPS project, he and his peers are learning to identify the root causes of conflict, understand its effects, and prevent violence — from election disputes to everyday misunderstandings.
Their mission is simple but powerful: build communities where youth choose peace over conflict.
“We have learned that violence only brings loss,” Battie says. “Now we are helping others see that peace brings strength, opportunity, and unity.”
By engaging young men in peacebuilding, MAGE-SL helps transform the narrative around masculinity — showing that real strength lies in patience, dialogue, and care.
“When I get violent, it’s not good for myself, for my children, for the community, and even for generations to come.” – Kumba, Peace Ambassador
For Kumba, peace is not just the absence of conflict — it’s a way of life that fosters joy, courage, and longevity. Through her work with MAGE-SL, she helps her community replace anger with empathy, creating space for reconciliation and mutual respect.
“When peace grows,” she says with a smile, “so does the future.”
Her leadership reminds us that sustainable peace starts in the home and spreads outward — through schools, communities, and local governance.
Building a Culture of Peace in Sierra Leone
The CPS project at MAGE-SL, supported by the Civil Peace Service (ZFD) and international partners, focuses on transforming conflict at the community level. Through training, dialogue sessions, and peace education, it equips young people and women with practical tools to address disputes non-violently and to strengthen trust among diverse groups.
By combining gender equality, transformative masculinity, and peace education, the project ensures that peacebuilding efforts are inclusive and sustainable.
A Generation Choosing Peace
The stories of Zainab, Battie, and Kumba are part of a larger movement — one that envisions a Sierra Leone where every young person becomes a guardian of peace. Their courage and compassion reflect MAGE-SL’s mission to create a society where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can live free from fear and violence.
At MAGE-SL, we continue to stand with our Peace Ambassadors — amplifying their voices, supporting their initiatives, and building a future where peace is not just a dream, but a daily practice.
Because when peace grows, so does hope — and with it, the promise of a stronger, more united Sierra Leone.