| Overview : Based on the groundwork done by UNDP, the National Youth Commission and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, has led to the enactment of the National Youth Service Act 2015 which provides a legal framework for the establishment of the National Youth Service Scheme (Voluntary Service,) to accelerate generation of sustainable inclusive and decent pathways to the job market. UNDP provided both technical and financial support for establishing the Scheme and hired a consultant who put together the NYS framework which give birth to the initiative. An NYS Secretariat has been established and is under the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA). The NYS Scheme caters for University and College graduates within the age bracket (15-35) years. This scheme provides employment opportunities to the youth by recruiting and placing them in various placement institutions, as volunteers across communities and institutions nationwide, for a period of twelve (12) months; to gain employability skills and provide technical support to Community development activities within their realms of competence. It is however noteworthy that the activities of Youth Service Volunteers would be cascaded downwards to impact the lives of all category of youth. The NYS Scheme will contribute to poverty reduction among youth in Sierra Leone through the development of youth volunteers’ skill sets for increased employability. The project will complement the efforts of governments, UN entities, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders, at the request of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and in accordance with National Youth Policy and National Youth Service Act 2015, to build capacities at individual, institutional and national levels, enable diverse volunteer groups. Once implemented, the scheme will strengthen citizens’ engagement through volunteerism to achieve Agenda for Prosperity objectives and lead to sustainable peace and development. As a way of support to this initiative, UNDP through the Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme (YEEP) has provided financial and technical support for the setting up and effective functioning of the secretariat, by providing the following: - Equipment /office working materials (stationaries) and furniture (Tables, chairs, etc.)
- Generator plant supply power for the secretariat
- 14 signpost to be erected country wide as part of an outreach promotion activity
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