VP Pledges Government Support for Latter-day Saints Youth Initiative

Group of formally dressed adults posed for a photo in a meeting room, front row seated and back row standing, with a framed portrait behind them and a round emblem on the floor left corner.
Photo via Thecalabashnewspaper

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, pledged the Government’s support for an initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. This pledge shows the government's commitment to youth development and economic empowerment. The Vice President described the Global Education Centre as "a promising intervention capable of helping young people acquire valuable knowledge, develop marketable skills and earn sustainable incomes through technology." He assured the Church delegation that the government "would support the initiative, including efforts to accelerate the documentation and administrative processes required to establish the centre." Dr. Jalloh emphasized that "providing a young man or woman with the opportunity to attend school and secure employment strengthens not only the individual but also the family, community and country." This initiative aligns with the government's broader vision for a skilled and employed youth population.

Global Education Centre Details

The proposed Global Education Centre is anticipated to generate numerous employment opportunities through its focus on online education and remote work. Senior Church leader, Elder Clark G. Gilbert, stated that the initiative "could create hundreds of employment opportunities through online education and remote work." The centre aims to provide accessible, high-quality education, equipping young individuals with practical digital skills. This training is expected to foster employment and entrepreneurship among its participants, thereby contributing significantly to the national economy. The proposed centre is expected to deliver accessible, high-quality education and equip young people with practical digital skills that could lead to employment and entrepreneurship.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert further explained that the centre would ensure "affordable education and prepare students for jobs with employers operating in different parts of the world." He added that "The arrangement would enable beneficiaries to earn international incomes without leaving Sierra Leone." These educational offerings are designed to prepare students for positions with employers globally, offering a pathway to dignified and well-compensated work. The initiative could also connect Sierra Leonean graduates with international employers while allowing them to remain and work within the country, fostering local economic growth. The article detailing these plans was published on Friday, August 28, 2026, providing further insight into the scope and potential impact of the centre.

Government's Role and Vision

The initiative seeks to provide affordable, technology-based education while connecting qualified Sierra Leoneans with remote employment opportunities offered by companies worldwide. The Government has pledged its support for the initiative, including efforts to accelerate the documentation and administrative processes required to establish the centre. This proposed partnership is expected to strengthen the Government’s broader efforts to promote digital learning, technical education, youth empowerment, and decent employment across the country. The government views this collaboration as a key step towards building a digitally literate workforce capable of competing in the global market. The commitment to expedite administrative processes notes the government's recognition of the project's urgency and potential benefits.

Ministerial Endorsement and Partnership

Discussions between the government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encompassed the Church’s “Succeed in School” programme, its healthcare interventions, and plans to establish a Global Education Centre in Sierra Leone. These discussions took place during the meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Office of the Vice President in Freetown. Senior Church leader, Elder Clark G. Gilbert, confirmed plans to establish this Global Education Centre, stating that the initiative "could create hundreds of employment opportunities through online education and remote work." Gilbert also explained that "The centre would offer affordable education and prepare students for jobs with employers operating in different parts of the world. The arrangement would enable beneficiaries to earn international incomes without leaving Sierra Leone." This multi-faceted engagement demonstrates the Church's full approach to community development.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, affirmed the growing partnership between the Government and the Church, noting its contributions to practical education and technical skills development. Dr. Wurie noted the Church's assistance to technical institutions, including the provision of equipment to support hands-on training. This support has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of vocational education available to young Sierra Leoneans. She emphasized the importance of preparing young people for the evolving global labor market, stating, "Embracing technology is essential to preparing Sierra Leonean youths for the changing global labour market. She said young people must be equipped with relevant skills that could enable them to secure dignified employment or establish their own businesses." Her remarks showed the strategic importance of initiatives like the Global Education Centre in addressing the skills gap and fostering economic independence.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

The Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, welcomed the Global Education Centre proposal during a meeting with senior representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Office of the Vice President in Freetown. This high-level endorsement signals strong governmental backing for the project. The initiative is expected to connect Sierra Leonean graduates with international employers, enabling them to secure employment while remaining and working within the country. This arrangement could facilitate earning international incomes without requiring beneficiaries to leave Sierra Leone, thereby retaining talent and capital within the nation. The establishment of the Global Education Centre is poised to be a transformative step for youth empowerment and economic development in Sierra Leone.