What is it?

The Community Innovation Hub (CIH) is a free vocational training program designed to equip underserved and out-of-school youth in Sierra Leone with practical, marketable skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute to local development. Hosted by LEAD Sierra Leone in Makeni, the program targets young people—particularly women and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)—who face barriers to economic opportunity.

Through a three-month intensive training cycle, participants gain both technical vocational skills and soft skills in leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship. The program blends hands-on learning with mentorship and personal development to empower youth to pursue self-employment, launch small businesses, or secure meaningful jobs.

This initiative is open to young people aged 16–30 who are committed to building a better future for themselves and their communities through skill acquisition and innovation.

What We Offer

Participants can choose from four hands-on vocational tracks:

• Fashion Design

• Cake Making

• Arts & Crafts

• Computer Literacy (Microsoft Packages)\

In addition to technical skills, trainees participate in bi-monthly core modules:

• Effective Communication

• Leadership Development

• Entrepreneurship & Business Basics

Impact So Far

• 55+ graduates completed the first cohort (June 2025)

• 100 youth enrolled in the second cohort (July 2025)

• 60% of participants are women

• Alumni are launching businesses and entering the local job market

CHI Alumni Testimonials

Lead Sierra Leone transformed my life, igniting my passion for leadership and community service.

Amara Kamara

Fashion Design

Participating in Lead Sierra Leone's programs has been life-changing, providing me with invaluable skills and a supportive community that inspires me to lead with confidence and purpose.

Fatima Jalloh

Cake Making

Participating in Lead Sierra Leone's programs has been life-changing, providing me with invaluable skills and a supportive community that inspires me to lead with confidence and purpose.

Participating in Lead Sierra Leone's programs has been life-changing, providing me with invaluable skills and a supportive community that inspires me to lead with confidence and purpose. "

Fatima Jalloh

Fatima Jalloh

Fashion Design

Computer Microsoft