In 2002, Sierra Leone emerged from a decade of civil war which killed tens of thousands of people, devastated infrastructure and led to the displacement of over two million people.

Today, the high number of unemployed young people in the country include former combatants who were disarmed after the war. While the problems that triggered the war remain, such as widespread poverty, corruption and mismanagement of resources, Sierra Leone is now confronting the challenge of reconstruction and reconciliation.

The YMCA has been present in Sierra Leone since 1912, and there are now 21 local YMCA associations in the country. Y Care International has been working in Sierra Leone since 1992, and we work in partnership with the National Council of YMCAs of Sierra Leone.