IOM, NACSA TRAIN RETURNEES TO COMBAT IRREGULAR MIGRATION

By Morlai Sesay

In a bid to enhance income generating activities in support of youth economic empowerment and community engagement to combat irregular migration in Sierra Leone, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) with funding from the Swedish Judiciary has on Monday, 7th July 2025, held a landmark training program aimed at equipping vulnerable returnees for various communities with income-generating skills and raising awareness on the dangers of irregular migration.

The initiative, held at the Dreams Hotel at Devil Hole Community brought together participants, including survivors of trafficking, and grassroots advocates, to address the root causes of exploitation and empower at-risk groups through sustainable livelihoods. “This training underscores our commitment to bridging humanitarian aid with long-term development,” stated Dr Pauline Macharia, IOM’s Chief of Mission. She also noted that by combining income-generating activities with awareness campaigns, they will tackle both the economic desperation that fuels irregular migration and the lack of information that leaves migrants vulnerable to trafficking. Pauline outscores that their approach aligns with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10.7 on safe migration. She concluded her statement by reaffirming IOM unwavering support toward broader efforts, such as capacity-building. for frontline responders and survivor-centered programs.

Executive Director, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Taskforce Secretariat, Dehuge Shiaka echoing the urgency of survivor inclusion, so this training is more important. "Survivors are not just victims, they are experts. Their insights shaped this curriculum, ensuring it addresses real barriers like trauma and systemic gaps,” he said.  He closed his statements noting on this training they choose between complicity and courage. "Let us build a world where no one risks death for a job, where dignity is not a privilege but a right. Together, we can turn awareness into action and action into freedom."  He ended.

The Deputy Chief Administrator for Ward C, Peter Abdul Koroma stressed that grassroots partnerships are vital. Koroma affirmed that the training aligns with the council’s development plan to reduce unemployment and curb human trafficking, which often targets marginalized youth. The administrator cited that all participants would be receiving training in agribusiness, handicrafts, and digital entrepreneurship, with seed funding for startups and that as a council, they would give out free business certificates to all the beneficiaries so that their business would flourish. He noted that if their business expands, the council will realize a lot of benefits as they would be paying taxes to the council which would in turn be used to promote government initiatives. He concluded with the quote "when we invest in livelihoods, we invest in dignity. This program is a blueprint for turning vulnerability into resilience."