Aminata Kargbo’s academic journey was disrupted after she sat for her West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE). The passing of her sponsor forced her to return to Lugbu-Sumbuya Chiefdom, uncertain about her future. It was after these series of unfortunate events that she made the ultimate decision.

She recounts her days of idling around at home: “I was at home doing nothing.” Even though Aminata was home, she had a dream: “I always admired the women who were operating machines, and I wished for an opportunity to be like them one day.”

Aminata’s story reflects hundreds of girls in Sierra Leone who seek opportunities to learn and thrive but struggle to access them.

UNDP Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the National Youth Commission and Sierra Tropical, is helping bridge that challenge. Through a skills training program, a hundred young people, especially school dropouts, were equipped with practical, employable skill sets that are market-driven, facilitated through the three parties. The training played a vital role in youth empowerment and employment initiatives across Sierra Leone.

When Aminata learned about the training program, she applied and was successfully enrolled. What followed was a period of intensive, hands-on training that completely transformed her perspective and capacity.

Today, she has secured employment with Sierra Tropical Limited, a leading agro-industrial company in Sierra Leone. Aminata works as a machine operator at the Sierra Tropical Limited factory, where she applies her newly acquired skills daily.

“Before the training, I didn’t even know how to use a machine,” she explains. “I didn’t understand the steering or movement of the equipment. But through rigorous training, I learned everything step by step.”

Her dedication paid off. By the end of the programme, Aminata had not only gained technical skills but also the confidence to operate heavy machinery independently, something she once only dreamed of.

Her success did not stop at training. Thanks to collaboration between the programme and private sector partners, she secured employment at Sierra Tropical Limited, a leading agro-industrial company in Sierra Leone. Today, Aminata works as a machine operator at the Sierra Tropical Limited factory, where she applies her newly acquired skills daily.

“I can now comfortably drive and operate machinery,” she says proudly. “This is something I never imagined I would achieve.”

Her story highlights the importance of linking training programmes with actual job opportunities, an approach championed by stakeholders like UNDP and NAYCOM, who are committed to ensuring that skills development translates into employment and economic empowerment.

Beyond her personal achievement, Aminata has become an inspiration to others in her community. She actively encourages young women, especially those who have dropped out of school, to pursue vocational training and seize similar opportunities.

“I will always encourage my friends and other young women to join this kind of programme,” she emphasises. “It can change your life, just like it changed mine.”

Aminata’s journey demonstrates how targeted interventions, strategic partnerships, and individual determination can come together to create real impact. From a young woman with limited prospects to a skilled machine operator contributing to Sierra Tropical Limited’s workforce, her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, dreams can become reality. 

Media Contact
Tanya Honnah
Communication & Partnership Analyst
tanya.honnah@undp.org

Atumani Sesay
Communication Associate
atumani.sesay@undp.org