PRESS RELEASE
AWOL Chairman, LUC Koroma, and Mr. Kabba pose with cross cross-section of the journalists after the training
Date: 17th November 2025
The All ‘Works’ of Life (AWOL) development organisation has successfully concluded a two-day foundational media training for the Concern Koya Chiefdom Media Team and three officers of the Masiaka Police Division. The training, held on the 15 and 16 November 2025 at the Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Masiaka, was facilitated by AWOL Chairman and Ex Officio of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, who volunteered his expertise as part of AWOL’s new ‘Giving Back to Society’ initiative.
The programme aimed to strengthen community journalists’ reporting skills and enhance communication between local authorities and residents. Participants were trained in fundamental journalism skills, including news writing, ethics, community storytelling, balance and fairness, interviewing techniques, advocacy and sensitisation, and the responsible use of digital and social media tools.
“As AWOL, we believe that development begins with empowered communities. By strengthening the skills of grassroots journalists, we are helping to shine light on real issues affecting places like Masiaka and Koya Chiefdom. This is part of our commitment to give back; sharing our expertise freely so that communities can tell their stories, hold duty bearers accountable, and inspire positive change,” said Mr. Nasralla.
The initiative was sponsored by Mr. Abdul Kabba Kargbo, commonly known as ‘Super’ in the chiefdom. As the Chairman of the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB) Masiaka Division, Mr. Kargbo’s commitment to youth and community empowerment in the Koya chiefdom made the training possible.
“Supporting this training is my small way of helping the people of Koya Chiefdom. When our local reporters and police officers are better equipped to communicate, the entire community benefits. I am committed to sponsoring more advanced media capacity-building programmes because an informed community is a stronger, safer, and more united community,” said Mr. Kargbo, who is also the Chairman of Kaduna, the highest decision making body of AWOL.
This effort aligns with AWOL’s vision of promoting inclusive development through knowledge sharing and capacity building. Under the organisation’s new outreach strategy, AWOL experts will be offering their professional skills, gratis, to communities, institutions, and grassroots groups nationwide, helping amplify local concerns and encourage responsive action from duty bearers.
The training also highlighted key issues facing Koya Chiefdom, including electricity challenges, limited access to quality education, the absence of a community radio station, and the growing drug abuse crisis affecting young people.
At the closing session, participants received certificates of participation, while the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Masiaka Police Division, CSP John B. Koroma, received a Special Certificate of Merit for his exemplary leadership in fostering community engagement.
“This training has further strengthened the bond between the police and the community we serve. Effective communication builds trust, and trust enhances security. We appreciate AWOL and Mr. Kargbo for this support, and we stand ready to collaborate on future initiatives that promote peace, accountability, and development in Koya Chiefdom,” said CSP Koroma.
The Coordinator of the Concern Koya Chiefdom Media, Buya Koya Kamara, thanked Mr. Kargbo for sponsoring the initiative and AWOL for delivering the training. He said the training has opened their eyes and strengthened their confidence as community reporters.
“This training has equipped us to serve our community better. We are ready to highlight our challenges and work with stakeholders to find solutions. We feel empowered. With the skills we’ve gained, we can now report more responsibly and help amplify the voices of our people for real change,” he said.
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About AWOL (All Works of Life Development Organization)
AWOL is a national civic and development organisation dedicated to complementing the efforts of government in nation building; promoting unity, service, and national transformation. Through philanthropy, volunteerism, awarding exemplary national service, community outreach, and capacity building, AWOL supports initiatives that empower citizens and foster meaningful social and economic progress across Sierra Leone.
Signed: Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany Lakkoh
Secretary General
