Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation Sierra Leone

‼️Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah is a Voice for Youth Empowerment

Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah continues to emerge as one of the passionate voices championing youth empowerment and community transformation in Port Loko District Northwest region Sierra Leone. Serving as the Executive Director of Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, he has remained committed to creating opportunities that inspire young people to become productive, responsible, and self-reliant citizens. His advocacy for education, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and skills training has positioned him as a respected youth advocate dedicated to promoting sustainable development and positive societal change.

Over the years, Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah has spearheaded several impactful initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education and capacity-building programs. Through internship opportunities, mentorship sessions, community outreach activities, and digital literacy training, many young people have gained practical experience and exposure that continue to shape their academic and professional journeys. His commitment to youth development reflects his belief that investing in young people is essential for national progress and long-term community transformation.

As a community development advocate, Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah has consistently encouraged youths to embrace education, innovation, volunteerism, and peaceful coexistence as pathways toward personal and national development. He strongly believes that empowering young people with the right skills, guidance, and opportunities can help reduce unemployment, crime, substance abuse, and other social challenges affecting communities. His leadership style, humility, and dedication to grassroots engagement have earned him admiration among youths and community stakeholders across the country.

Through the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah continues to amplify the voices of young people while promoting initiatives that strengthen education, cultural preservation, humanitarian service, and social empowerment. His vision for a society where every young person has access to opportunities and support remains central to his advocacy efforts. As he continues to inspire hope and transformation, many believe that his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment will continue to contribute significantly to the development of Sierra Leone and the future of its younger generation.

An empowered youth is a developed youth. Let's walk this journey together.

Bureh Heritage Foundation is a youth-led community development organization that seeks to contribute meaningfully to humanity, societal development, and national transformation

‼️Eid Message to Our Fellow Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad

As Muslims across Sierra Leone and the world commemorate the blessed occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha 2026, I extend warm greetings, heartfelt congratulations, and best wishes to every Sierra Leonean celebrating this sacred festival. On behalf of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, I pray that this holy season brings peace, unity, prosperity, and abundant blessings to our beloved nation and to families across the globe. Eid-Ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, reminds us of the values of obedience, faith, humility, compassion, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah. The remarkable example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) teaches humanity the importance of sacrifice, patience, and trust in God during moments of uncertainty and difficulty. As we celebrate this important religious occasion, let us reflect deeply on these timeless virtues and recommit ourselves to serving humanity with love, sincerity, and kindness.

At a time when our country and the global community continue to face social, economic, and moral challenges, this Eid should inspire us to strengthen the bonds of national unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect. Sierra Leone’s diversity remains one of our greatest strengths, and it is our collective responsibility to protect and promote peace, tolerance, and solidarity regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or social background. Together, we can build a stronger and more progressive nation where opportunities are accessible to all citizens. As an organization committed to youth empowerment, education, cultural preservation, humanitarian service, and community development, the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation encourages all Sierra Leoneans to use this festive period to extend support to the less privileged, vulnerable families, widows, orphans, and those struggling with hardship. The true essence of Eid is reflected not only in celebration but also in compassion, generosity, and the willingness to uplift others within our communities.

I wish to particularly commend the resilience, determination, and contributions of Sierra Leoneans living abroad whose sacrifices and support continue to contribute immensely to national development and family welfare back home. Your commitment to the progress of Sierra Leone remains highly appreciated and valued. To our religious leaders, traditional authorities, development partners, youth groups, women’s organizations, and community stakeholders, I extend profound appreciation for your continued efforts in promoting peace, moral values, and community transformation across the country. Let us continue working together in the spirit of unity and patriotism to create a better future for generations yet unborn. As we observe Eid-Ul-Adha 2026, may Almighty Allah accept our prayers, sacrifices, and acts of worship. May He bless Sierra Leone with lasting peace, economic progress, good governance, and national cohesion. May our homes be filled with joy, our communities strengthened with love, and our nation guided towards greater prosperity. Eid Mubarak to all Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.

Regards, Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah Executive Director of Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation S/L

‼️Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation Opens Fundraising Drive for Clean and Safe Drinking Water in Rural Communities

Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation has officially launched a fundraising campaign aimed at providing clean and safe drinking water for deprived rural communities across Port Loko District. The foundation is calling on like-minded individuals, philanthropists, development partners, and organizations both at home and abroad to support the initiative in addressing the persistent water challenges affecting vulnerable communities. According to the organization, access to clean and safe drinking water remains one of the most pressing concerns confronting many rural settlements where residents continue to depend on unsafe and unprotected water sources for survival.

Established in 2018, the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation is a youth-led community development organization committed to contributing meaningfully to humanity, societal development, and national transformation. Over the years, the foundation has implemented impactful initiatives in education, agriculture, youth empowerment, water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as citizens recognition through the annual Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards The organization has continued to gain recognition for its grassroots-driven development efforts aimed at improving the living conditions of underserved populations within rural communities.

Since 2021, the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation has spearheaded the construction of standard hand-pump wells in deprived communities, helping to ease the burden faced by residents in accessing safe drinking water. The organization highlighted the successful completion of four water well projects through the support and contributions of committed individuals. Among the most recent interventions is the Royeama Community Hand-Pump Well Project, which has significantly improved access to clean water for residents in the area. The foundation noted that these projects continue to positively impact the lives of women, children, and families who previously walked long distances in search of clean and safe water.

Speaking on the importance of the fundraising drive, the Executive Director of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah emphasized that many rural communities are still relying on streams, swamps, ponds, and other unprotected water sources that expose residents to serious health risks. The Director expressed concern that women and children are often the most affected, as they walk far distances daily to fetch water under difficult and unsafe conditions. Due to the increasing number of appeals from communities experiencing severe water shortages, the foundation deemed it necessary to intensify efforts toward mobilizing resources for sustainable water solutions.

Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring supporters that every contribution received will be utilized strictly for its intended purpose. The organization described access to clean and safe drinking water as a basic human necessity and called on all well-meaning individuals and institutions to join the campaign in transforming the lives of deprived communities. The foundation encouraged members of the public to support the initiative and walk the journey toward improving the well-being of rural residents.

For inquiries or support, interested individuals may contact the foundation via +23230087623, +23279070999, or through email at [email protected].

Bureh Heritage Foundation Media and Communications Dept.

‼️A New Era of Hope: Musayeroh Barrie Officially Opens Royeama Hand-Pump Water in Port Loko

Thursday the 7th of May 2026

The people of Royeama Village in Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko City, have witnessed a historic and transformative occasion following the official handing-over ceremony of a newly constructed 21-meter deep hand-pump water well by the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation through the generous support of Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority. The commissioning ceremony attracted residents, local stakeholders, and community leaders who gathered in celebration of a project that now provides clean and safe drinking water to over one hundred residents who have suffered for decades without access to a standard water facility.

For more than twenty years, the people of Royeama Village depended entirely on unsafe water sources such as ponds and other unprotected facilities for their daily water needs. The lack of access to clean drinking water exposed residents, especially women and children, to serious health and sanitation challenges. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation selected Royeama Village based on the community’s felt need assessment and immediately commenced the implementation of the water project with support from Madam Musayeroh Barrie. The completion of the well now marks a new chapter of relief, dignity, and improved public health for the community.

During the official ceremony, the Executive Director of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, Ambassador Unisa Totti Fofanah, delivered a comprehensive overview of the project implementation process, highlighting the importance of responding to the real needs of underserved communities. He explained that the foundation remains committed to addressing critical social challenges affecting vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone through practical and sustainable development interventions. Ambassador Fofanah further thanked Madam Musayeroh Barrie for her generous support and confidence in the foundation’s humanitarian mission, describing her contribution as a life-changing intervention for the people of Royeama

Speaking on behalf of the community, Royeama’s oldest resident, Pa Foday, emotionally expressed profound gratitude to Madam Musayeroh Barrie and the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation for fulfilling what many residents had long considered impossible. “We have suffered and received fake promises all these years, but today, we thank God for everything,” Pa Foday stated. His remarks reflected the joy and relief felt by residents who now have access to a reliable source of clean and safe drinking water for the first time in decades. Community members described the project as a blessing that will significantly improve the lives of both present and future generations.

Addressing the gathering, Madam Musayeroh Barrie expressed deep appreciation to the people of Royeama for the warm welcome accorded to her and emphasized how delighted she was to witness the smiles of a community that had endured years of hardship due to the absence of clean drinking water. “This project falls under my annual Ramadan Zakat, and I am overwhelmed with the quality of work the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation has done,” she stated. She further praised Ambassador Unisa Totti Fofanah for his honesty, dedication, and commitment to serving humanity, describing him as a distinguished young leader who uses his energy, skills, and time to impact lives positively. Madam Barrie reaffirmed her commitment to continue supporting the foundation’s development initiatives where necessary. The colorful ceremony later proceeded with the official cutting of the ribbon amidst traditional music, dancing, and jubilation from community residents celebrating the arrival of a new era in Royeama Village.

For inquiries or partnership: +23230087623/+23279070999/[email protected]

Bureh Heritage Foundation Media and Communications Dept.

‼️SLCAA Director General Haja Musayeroh Barrie Visits Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation Head Office

On Thursday, the 7th of May 2026, the Executive Management Team of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation proudly hosted the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, in a significant engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration towards community development and national transformation. The visit marked another milestone in the foundation’s growing efforts to inspire young people and promote sustainable community-oriented solutions. As the first female and youngest Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Madam Barrie’s presence at the foundation’s office symbolized hope, leadership, and encouragement for youth-driven initiatives.

Upon her arrival, the Executive Director of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, Ambassador Unisa Totti Fofanah, warmly welcomed Madam Musayeroh Barrie and expressed profound appreciation for her continuous support towards humanitarian and community development initiatives. During the engagement, Ambassador Fofanah provided a comprehensive presentation on the foundation’s achievements over the years, highlighting several impactful interventions undertaken in deprived communities, including access to clean and safe drinking water, youth empowerment programs, educational support, and advocacy against harmful social practices. He also openly discussed some of the challenges confronting the organization and outlined the foundation’s next action plans geared towards expanding its development footprint..

In her response, Madam Musayeroh Barrie commended the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation for what she described as a remarkable demonstration of selfless service and genuine commitment to national development. She praised the organization for staying focused on meaningful community transformation despite prevailing social and economic challenges. According to her, institutions and young leaders committed to community service deserve recognition and support because they represent the future of Sierra Leone’s development agenda. She emphasized that empowering young people through practical leadership and community engagement remains one of the strongest pathways toward sustainable national progress.

“I am excited to visit this office not only as Director General, but also as a young Sierra Leonean who considers youth leadership as a critical component in fostering national development,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie stated. “I must admit that I am totally impressed with the selfless work of the foundation, and I am wholeheartedly glad to join hands with you for the good of our people and the country as a whole. I personally hold Unisa in high esteem for leading this foundation with transparency and honesty. He is a selfless young man who sees value in empowering others and guiding our extremely deprived communities toward sustainable development.”

Madam Musayeroh Barrie further reaffirmed her commitment to continue working closely with the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation in advancing community development and national transformation initiatives. Her visit has not only strengthened the relationship between the foundation and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority leadership but has also served as a powerful motivation for young people to actively participate in nation-building through service, integrity, and innovation. The Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation expressed sincere gratitude to Madam Barrie for her inspiring visit and continued confidence in the organization’s mission to improve lives and create a lasting impact in vulnerable communities.

Bureh Heritage Foundation Media and Communications Department.

‼️FoRUT Renews MOU with Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation

As Executive Director of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, I am deeply honored and overwhelmed by the warm reception extended to our team by the Port Loko District branch of FoRUT as we gathered to renew our partnership agreement for another year. This renewed commitment reflects our shared vision and determination to amplify community voices against the growing threat of harmful drug and alcohol abuse. Over the years, our collaboration has demonstrated that collective action, awareness, and community engagement remain powerful tools in safeguarding the future of our young people and strengthening the social fabric of our communities. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 4th of May 2026 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership. It is not merely a formal agreement but a reaffirmation of trust, dedication, and a unified commitment to tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing our society today. Through this partnership, we aim to intensify advocacy campaigns, expand educational outreach, and empower communities with the knowledge and resources needed to resist and combat substance abuse. I wish to sincerely express my profound appreciation to the management of FoRUT for the confidence they continue to repose in the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation. This renewed partnership is a testament to the credibility, impact, and shared values of our institutions. As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering meaningful change and ensuring that our collective efforts yield lasting benefits for our communities.

Regards, Amb. Unisa Fofanah (Totti) Executive Director Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation S/Leone.

‼️Water is Life: Royeama Village Celebrates a New Era of Clean and Safe Drinking Water

A Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation Project With Support From Madam Musayeroh Barrie

In Maforki Chiefdom Port Loko City, The people of Royeama Community are celebrating a transformative milestone as they embrace a new era of access to clean and safe drinking water, made possible through the generous support of Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority. The Royeama Hand-Pump Well Project, implemented by the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, was officially launched on the 18th of March, 2026, marking the beginning of a long-awaited intervention in a community that has endured decades of safe drinking water scarcity. Today, on the 1st of May, 2026, residents are filled with joy and gratitude as they witness the overall completion of a project that is set to change their lives for generations.

Initially scheduled to be completed within four weeks, the project extended to six weeks to ensure that every aspect of the construction met the highest standards of quality and durability. This careful and deliberate approach reflects the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and long-term impact. Engineers and technicians worked tirelessly, paying close attention to detail and adhering to best practices in water well construction, thereby guaranteeing a facility that will stand the test of time and serve the community efficiently.

In line with the popular adage, “Water is Life,” the newly constructed 21-meter deep well stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. Built with a reinforced concrete lining from the bottom to the top and fitted with a durable stainless steel hand pump, the facility ensures both safety and longevity. The well is expected to serve over 100 residents, the majority of whom are women and children who previously bore the burden of walking long distances in search of water. This development not only improves access to safe drinking water but also contributes to better health outcomes and enhances daily productivity.

For over 20 years, the Royeama Community struggled with inadequate access to clean water, relying on unsafe and unreliable sources that exposed residents to waterborne diseases and hardships. The completion of this project represents a remarkable turnaround in their living conditions and a powerful example of what strategic partnerships and compassionate leadership can achieve. It underscores the importance of community-focused interventions that directly address the basic needs of underserved populations.

As the community awaits the official handing-over ceremony, expressions of heartfelt appreciation continue to pour in for both the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation and Madam Musayeroh Barrie Residents have described the project as life-changing, noting that it restores dignity and brings renewed hope to their daily lives. This achievement stands not only as a development milestone but also as a testament to the impact of generosity, vision, and collective effort in building stronger and healthier communities.

For inquiries or partnership: +23230087623/+23279070999/[email protected]

Bureh Heritage Foundation Media and Communications Dept.

Labor Day Reflections: Confronting Sierra Leone’s Unemployment Crisis and the Forgotten Middle Workforce

By: Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah, BBHF Executive Director, and CEO Public Trust Media Sierra Leone

As Sierra Leone joins the rest of the world to observe International Labor Day, it is a moment not only for the celebration of workers but also for deep national reflection. As Executive Director of the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Public Trust Media, I see this day as a call to confront the uncomfortable realities facing our labour force. While official statistics may suggest a relatively low unemployment rate of around 3–4%, the lived reality tells a different story, one defined by widespread underemployment, informality, and economic frustration among the youth.

The most pressing concern is youth unemployment, which remains one of the country’s greatest development challenges. Young people constitute more than 60% of Sierra Leone’s population, yet a significant proportion struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities. Estimates suggest that youth unemployment and underemployment combined can reach alarming levels, sometimes exceeding 60%, with many young people forced into low-paying or unstable informal jobs. Each year, over 120,000 young Sierra Leoneans enter the labor market, but the formal sector can only absorb a small fraction of them, leaving thousands in economic limbo.

Equally troubling is the growing number of university graduates who find themselves without relevant opportunities. Thousands graduate annually with hope and ambition, yet the economy lacks the capacity to utilize their skills effectively. This has created a dangerous gap between education and employment, a structural mismatch driven by limited industrial growth, weak private sector expansion, and an education system that often does not align with market demands. The result is a swelling class of educated but unemployed or underemployed citizens, a phenomenon widely known as graduate unemployment.

The “middle manpower” segment, those with intermediate skills, diplomas, and technical training, has been particularly neglected. Sierra Leone’s development discourse often emphasizes either basic education or high-level professionals, leaving out the critical workforce needed to drive industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. Weak technical and vocational education systems further compound this problem, producing graduates whose skills do not match the realities of the labor market. Without deliberate investment in this segment, the country risks stalling its economic transformation and perpetuating dependency on subsistence livelihoods.

As we mark this year’s (2026) Labor Day, the message is clear: Sierra Leone must move beyond rhetoric and embrace bold, practical solutions. Government, private sector, and development partners must prioritize job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship. Investment in vocational training, digital innovation, and small business support is no longer optional. It is urgent. Labor Day should not only honor workers but also ignite a renewed national commitment to creating opportunities for all, especially the youth and the growing population of educated but unemployed citizens. The future of Sierra Leone depends on how effectively we bridge the gap between education and employment and how intentionally we empower the workforce that will drive our nation forward.

Info: +23230087623/+23279070999/[email protected]

. Unisa Totti Fofanah, BBHF Executive Director and CEO of Public Trust Media S/Leone

‼️Royeama Hand-Pump Well Project Reaches Completion Stage

The Royeama Community Hand-Pump Well Project has successfully reached its completion stage, marking a significant step forward in improving access to clean and safe drinking water for residents. The initiative, spearheaded by the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, stands as a timely and impactful intervention aimed at addressing the long-standing water challenges faced by the community. Despite various hurdles encountered during implementation, the project was delivered to standard, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and community wellbeing.

In response to this achievement, residents of Royeama have expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Madam Musayeroh Barrie for her generous financial support and dedication to the project. Community members described the well as a life-changing facility that will greatly ease daily struggles, improve hygiene, and enhance overall health conditions. The successful completion of the hand-pump well highlights the power of partnership and shared responsibility in driving meaningful change at the grassroots level.

Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah, Executive Director Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation Port Loko.

‼️Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation Gears Up for its 9th Consecutive Service Delivery Awards 2026

Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation has officially commenced preparations for its 9th Service Delivery Awards 2026, signaling another milestone in its continued commitment to recognizing excellence and impactful service across Sierra Leone The executive management has already initiated both internal planning and external coordination to ensure a well-organized and credible event. The awards, which have grown into a nationally respected platform, seek to honor individuals and institutions whose contributions have significantly advanced humanity, societal development, and national transformation, particularly within the Northwest region and beyond.

Over the years, the Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards have gained widespread recognition for their transparent and unbiased selection process. Previous editions have consistently received commendation from stakeholders, with many praising the Foundation for maintaining integrity in identifying deserving honorees. This strong reputation has positioned the awards as a trusted benchmark for excellence, reinforcing the importance of accountability and genuine service in national development efforts.

Recipients of the awards have repeatedly expressed appreciation for the platform, describing it as a powerful motivator that highlights the value of selfless service. Many past awardees have noted that the recognition not only celebrates their work but also inspires others to contribute meaningfully to their communities. As a result, the awards continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging a culture of dedication, innovation, and responsibility among citizens and institutions alike.

Speaking on the upcoming event, the Executive Director, Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah reaffirmed the Foundation’s steadfast commitment to upholding the credibility and prestige of the awards. He emphasized that the selection process will remain rigorous and merit-based, ensuring that only individuals and organizations with proven track records of impactful service are recognized. According to him, the goal is to continuously spotlight those whose efforts have directly improved lives and strengthened communities across the country.

As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation is calling on stakeholders, partners, and the general public to support and engage with the process. The 9th Service Delivery Awards promises to be another remarkable event, bringing together leaders, change-makers, and development actors in a shared celebration of excellence. Ultimately, the initiative continues to stand as a pillar for national transformation, driven by the recognition and promotion of outstanding service delivery in Sierra Leone.

Info: +23230087623/+23279070999/[email protected]

Bureh Heritage Foundation Media and Communications Department