Paramount Chief Alhaji Alie Badara Sheriff III – traditional ruler of Jong Chiefdom, based in Mattru Jong in southern Sierra Leone—passed away on January 25, 2026, in Freetown, following complications from a severe gastrointestinal illness. He was laid to rest the next day in his home village of Mogerewa Jong, in keeping with family and customary rites.

The family held his seventh-day ceremony on February 8, 2026. Until the succession process concludes, the Speaker of Jong Chiefdom, Chief Francis Kpanabom, oversees the Chiefdom.

His passing closes a steady and consequential chapter in Jong Chiefdom’s history – but not a legacy shaped by discipline, service, and a firm belief that development must be practical, inclusive, and grounded in dignity.

Authority that carried responsibility

Some leaders are powerful because of what they command, and others because of what they can carry. Paramount Chief Alhaji Alie Badara Sheriff III belonged to the second kind.

His authority did not rest in regalia or title alone. It lived in the daily weight of people’s needs, in the patience to listen, and in the discipline to choose unity over noise. He understood leadership as responsibility before it was status.

Since his ascension to the chieftaincy in 2002, he led Jong Chiefdom from Mattru Jong, a historic river town shaped by trade, movement, and exchange. In such a place, leadership is never abstract. It is practical, rooted in mediation, consensus, and momentum. For him, tradition was not a barrier to progress; it was the framework through which progress became legitimate and lasting.

He consistently advocated for the things that determine whether communities rise or stall: education, basic health services, mechanized farming, improved roads, and livelihoods that allow families to plan beyond survival. He understood that development endures only when it touches ordinary life.

A chief rooted in place – and accountable to people

Jong Chiefdom takes its name from the Jong River, long an artery of commerce and connection. Mattru has always been a place where the wider world meets local life. In that reality, the role of Paramount Chief is not ceremonial – it is relational.

Over the years, Chief Sheriff supported school rehabilitation efforts, encouraged youth participation in community initiatives, and played a steady role in resolving local disputes before they hardened into division. He chaired community meetings not to dominate them, but to bring clarity and direction. Progress, in his view, required people to see themselves as part of the solution.

He ruled close to the ground. Responsibility, for him, meant presence.

Service on the national stage

Nationally, Chief Sheriff earned trust from national leaders, not just visibility.

As a Paramount Chief Member of Parliament, he served as Chair of Parliament’s Committee on Privileges and Ethics, a role that demanded restraint, credibility, and fairness during periods when public confidence in institutions was under strain. It was not a position designed for attention. It required calm judgment, procedural integrity, and moral steadiness.

His leadership style reflected those demands. He spoke clearly and deliberately. He listened closely. In every meeting, he began by acknowledging everyone present, grounding the discussion in respect before moving to outcomes.

Even during difficult national periods, most notably the Ebola crisis, the team remained in Mattru Jong, hosting national figures and participating in community mobilization. Leadership, in those moments, was not about distance or protocol. It was about presence.

AYM and the first bridge across the Atlantic

For those of us at AYM, Chief Sheriff’s life is inseparable from a relationship that became family—and from a journey that reshaped all of us.

In 2005, we hosted him in the United States for the first time. We designed the visit not as a ceremony or spectacle, but as exposure—an opportunity for him to see, ask questions, and engage directly with development models, institutions, and civic life.

We took him on an extensive driving tour of the American Midwest, moving city to city and organizing a structured speaking tour across eight educational institutions in Wisconsin. He spoke at Chippewa Falls Grade School and High School, Medford Middle and High Schools, Green Bay West High School, Madison Area Technical College, St. Norbert College in De Pere, and the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.

At every stop, he spoke plainly about life in Jong Chiefdom—about governance, agriculture, education, and the realities of post-war recovery in Sierra Leone. And just as importantly, he listened. He asked questions about local governance, education systems, and civic organization. Through conversations with children, teenagers, students, faculty, and public officials, he gained insight into how Americans debate, collaborate, and solve problems.

We also arranged formal meetings with public leaders, including the Mayor of Madison and the Dane County Executive. Those encounters reinforced his conviction that development is strongest when institutions are accessible and accountable to the people they serve.

A defining moment at UW–Platteville

The highlight of that visit was the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. After a full day of classroom engagements, the Chancellor hosted a formal dinner and campus event in his honor, attended by faculty, administrators, and alumni.

That evening, Chief Sheriff delivered a thoughtful address on Sierra Leone’s history, Jong Chiefdom’s future, and AYM’s development mission. Following his remarks, we screened a short film produced by Askia Koroma that documents AYM’s art exhibition and reflects on the civil war. The room fell silent. The exchange had moved beyond the academic. It was human.

The trip strengthened his confidence and sharpened his sense of possibility. He later reflected that the experience affirmed his capacity to serve beyond the Chiefdom and contributed to his decision to take on greater responsibility at the national level.

How the bridge reshaped us all

The impact of that journey did not end with his return home.

For me personally, it marked the beginning of a long reckoning. It would take another two and a half years—living in the same Wisconsin city, working the same job, carrying a growing sense of unrest—before I resigned and moved my life to Sierra Leone.

That, too, was part of Chief Sheriff’s legacy. He did not compel people to act. He made action feel inevitable.

A leader who made others feel capable

Chief Sheriff did not govern from a distance. When visiting the AYM headquarters in Mattru, he often walked rather than drove, greeting elders, market women, and children along the way. He rejected the posture of royalty. He saw himself as a custodian of collective effort.

He was firm without humiliation. Respected without intimidation. Traditional without using tradition as a weapon. He made people—especially young people—feel capable.

Leaders like that leave behind a particular silence: one that reveals how much they were holding together.

Legacy and the work ahead

To honor Paramount Chief Alhaji Alie Badara Sheriff III is not only to mourn him. It is to continue the work he named so clearly—education, health, livelihoods, and collaboration rooted in trust.

The bridge he strengthened between diaspora and home remains standing. The youth he believed in are still here. The work continues.

Farewell, Paramount Chief.

Thank you for the example.

Thank you for the trust.

Thank you for carrying your people with steadiness and grace.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy live on through the hands of the next generation.

Dennis Glover grew up in the heart of the Midwest, where his nurturing and dynamic family instilled a strong sense of compassion. He earned a degree in Strategic Business Management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2001. That education prepared him for a focused career in nonprofit leadership.

Dennis found his calling through his collaboration with Abu-Hassan “Askia” Koroma, founder of AYM. Over five years, he coordinated AYM’s art initiatives in the United States and led efforts to establish a new AYM chapter in Sierra Leone, creating jobs for local youth.

In 2006, Dennis committed the next five years to launching this initiative in Sierra Leone. He led community organizing campaigns, developed community vegetable gardens, and established the AYM Social Enterprise Center in Mattru Jong. At the Center, he installed a 24-hour renewable energy system that powered a cell phone charging business, an Internet café, and other services. He trained local volunteers to manage these programs independently, thereby strengthening the community’s sustainable development.

Dennis now lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he works as an independent financial consultant. He travels to Sierra Leone frequently and speaks fluent Krio. He remains committed to empowering youth and strengthening community resilience.

Rwandan Youth Leadership in the AY Movement!
The Rwandan Youth Leadership Movement is growing—one young leader at a time. Mugisha Bruce, a second-year law student in Rwanda, is one of them. He found the African Youth Movement (AYM) while searching online for youth groups focused on Africa. What pulled him in was simple: a chance to serve, lead, and solve problems with other young people.

Bruce’s story helps explain why the Rwandan Youth Leadership Movement matters. He grew up in a country shaped by both failure and strength in leadership. Rwanda’s past—the genocide of 1994—is a hard truth. Bruce didn’t live through it, but he studied it in school. He learned how bad leadership led people to do terrible things. He also saw how good leadership helped rebuild the country. That contrast stuck with him.

At school, Bruce started learning what real leadership looks like. Not the kind you see on TV. Not speeches or power. Real leadership, he says, is influence. It starts with you. If you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead anyone. That lesson shaped him early. It still drives him.

He believes the Rwandan Youth Leadership Movement must focus on action. He doesn’t want to be the kind of leader who sits in an office while others work. If his team is helping build a house, he wants to carry bricks too. When he’s class rep, he joins the assignments, not just gives instructions. That’s how trust is built.

Another key part of how Bruce leads is delegation. If he’s overwhelmed, he asks others to step up. That’s not weakness. That’s believing in your team. Bruce wants to help others believe they can lead too. Leadership shouldn’t be for just a few.

The Rwandan Youth Leadership Movement also needs unity. Rwanda has people from different areas, different backgrounds. At school, Bruce saw how students from urban places and rural places would sometimes stay apart. So he created group activities where each side could learn from the other. Farming skills from rural students. Computer skills from urban ones. It worked. They started to see each other differently.

Bruce speaks in public often. He uses that space to raise youth issues and offer ideas. He talks with high school students. He joins panel discussions. He shares what he knows and listens to others. That’s another way the Rwandan Youth Leadership Movement spreads—through voice, through conversation.

He also uses tech to teach. With little money, he runs online sessions about leadership and public speaking. He uses Google Meet and makes simple presentations. That’s all it takes. A laptop. A bit of internet. A willing mind. He wants to teach digital skills to kids in rural areas who’ve never touched a laptop. That’s his business idea too—teach ICT and help others catch up with a changing world.

If Bruce gets to lead the AYM chapter in Rwanda, he already knows what to do. First, understand the mission. Then, gather passionate youth from all districts. Partner with other groups. Inform the Ministry of Youth. Set up WhatsApp groups. Host regular meetings. And most of all, stay focused on real issues—like entrepreneurship and self-employment.

The Rwandan Youth Leadership Movement is about more than events and slogans. It’s about doing the work. Bruce says it best when he talks about integrity. When pressure comes, don’t cut corners. Do your best. Be honest. Ask for help if needed. But never lie to get ahead.

He practices what he calls servant leadership. That means listening. Going to people. Asking real questions. Understanding what they face. Only then can a leader actually help.

He also knows conflict is part of the job. One time, two classmates argued over a copied assignment. Instead of reporting them, Bruce brought them together. Asked questions. Helped them work it out. What he learned was simple: people want to cooperate, if they’re given the chance.

He balances school and activism by planning. Law classes take most of the day. But evenings are open. So he uses that time. No big secret. Just focus.

What legacy does Bruce want to leave? He wants to be the kind of leader who helped others rise. Who didn’t forget where he came from. Who gave more than he took. And who ensured young people believed they had something valuable to offer, because they do.

The Rwandan Youth Leadership Movement is growing—not through money or fame, but through voices like Bruce’s—young, clear, and determined.

Empowering African youth through web design has been the focus of Arianna Iovene, a talented volunteer from Italy. Partnering with the Twenty-First Century African Youth Movement (AYM), Arianna has used her skills to create transformative digital solutions that amplify AYM’s mission of building opportunities for African youth.

From Humanities to Web Development

Arianna’s journey to web design began unexpectedly. With a background in Japanese studies and a passion for cultural anthropology, she initially pursued academia and teaching. Her passion for technology, however, was sparked by a family member who taught her the basics of web design. Over the years, she honed her skills, transitioning from hobbyist projects to professional web development.

“Volunteering allowed me to use my skills for a greater purpose,” Arianna shared. This shift marked a turning point as she sought meaningful ways to connect her expertise with impactful causes.

Volunteering for AYM: A Meaningful Experience

Volunteering with AYM provided Arianna with a platform to contribute her skills toward a mission she deeply resonated with. “AYM’s mission to empower African youth aligns with my values,” she noted. Her work brought joy and purpose, especially in collaborating with a multicultural team dedicated to positive change.

Arianna’s first steps involved resolving technical issues on the AYM website. She improved mobile functionality, enhanced stability and security of the website, integrating backup and caching tools, optimizing themes and plugins, and streamlined the site’s structure. These updates laid the foundation for user-friendly navigation and reliable performance, enabling AYM to engage a broader audience.

Building a Platform for Transformation

Arianna’s work extended beyond technical updates. She integrated WooCommerce to enable e-shop functions (Impact Store), revamped the design of the website pages, restructured the “Take Action” page, designed new project pages, and enhanced the donation platform. Her thoughtful approach to content creation and page layout aligned with AYM’s goals of showcasing its work and inspiring global support.

“I learned that even the smallest contributions matter,” Arianna emphasized. Her insights into leadership and teamwork deepened her appreciation for AYM’s commitment to building opportunities from the ground up.

Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

Arianna’s experience taught her the importance of resilience, teamwork, and intentional design. By integrating backup systems and relying on cost-effective tools, she ensured the site’s security and scalability.

Looking ahead, Arianna envisions sharing her knowledge with others, potentially teaching web design or engaging in advocacy. She hopes to expand her role within AYM, contributing to initiatives like market research and data visualization.

Why It Matters

The work of volunteers like Arianna highlights how technology can drive social impact. Web design offers a powerful platform to amplify voices, connect communities, and inspire action. For AYM, the transformation of its digital presence ensures that its mission to empower African youth reaches audiences worldwide.

Join the Movement

Arianna’s story underscores the value of giving back. Her contributions to AYM exemplify how individual efforts, combined with teamwork, create lasting change. As Arianna said, “Every small step builds toward something greater.”Be part of this journey. Visit AYM’s website to explore Arianna’s contributions, support the mission, and join the movement to empower African youth.

Image: Freepik

Odinga outlined Africa’s vast resources: strategic minerals, fertile land, and abundant renewable energy. However, he argues these resources often benefit foreign economies, not African communities. Odinga’s vision is clear—Africa must harness its assets to develop a sustainable, self-sufficient economy.

Central to this vision is Africa’s youth, which makes up 70% of the population. Odinga stressed that with training, employment, and empowerment, Africa’s youth could transform the continent into a manufacturing hub, much like China has done. By giving young Africans the tools to create wealth at home, he sees a solution to the emigration crisis and a way to keep talent within Africa’s borders.

Odinga also highlighted Africa’s infrastructure and energy potential. He spoke of the need for transcontinental highways and railways to enhance connectivity and support trade. Additionally, he proposed tapping into Africa’s green energy, such as solar and hydroelectric, to reduce energy costs and attract industry.

He addressed the barriers dividing African nations. Odinga envisions an AU visa system to encourage seamless movement within Africa, fostering a single African market. He sees this as essential for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area, enabling local brands to flourish and compete globally.

Lastly, Odinga stressed gender equality and climate resilience. He called for empowering African women as leaders and addressing Africa’s vulnerability to climate change. He emphasized the need for unified African voices in global climate negotiations.

Raila Odinga’s vision inspires hope for a united Africa that uplifts its youth and maximizes its potential. His leadership could catalyze a new era where Africa thrives by harnessing the strength of its people and resources.

Luisa Fernanda Cambindo, a petroleum engineer with a strong background in well productivity analysis, is driven and results-focused. She completed her degree at the Industrial University of Santander, where she gained essential technical skills and hands-on experience. Luisa’s work experience includes a university internship at Ecopetrol S.A. from January to July 2023, where she applied professional skills in well pressure analysis, exploratory well monitoring, and the use of specialized software like Saphir and WellFlo.

Throughout her career at Ecopetrol S.A. since 2018, Luisa has shown outstanding teamwork, empathy, and proactive problem-solving. Her technical skills are complemented by advanced knowledge in office software and specialized simulations. This combination of expertise and interpersonal strengths makes her an asset to any project.

Luisa also brings teaching experience as a fluid properties assistant at the Industrial University of Santander, where she supported students and managed platforms for academic work. Her skills in leadership, communication, and efficient organization add value to any team she joins.

She stays active with hobbies like volunteering at the UN Online Volunteering service with the Twenty-First Century African Youth Movement, working out, and reading, showing her commitment to growth and service. Now in Washington, DC, Luisa seeks challenging opportunities to contribute her skills and further develop as a professional.For more on Luisa Cambindo, visit her LinkedIn profile.

Luisa’s journey into migrant advocacy shapes her mission: she has firsthand experience with the complexities and uncertainties that young migrants face. With this insight, Luisa empowers others by leading initiatives that help migrant youth adapt and thrive. Her approach emphasizes the power of local action, allowing her to reach youth globally, from Colombia’s northern Cauca region to communities in Sierra Leone, where AMY’s focus on agriculture and ecotourism has created life-changing opportunities.

In Colombia’s Cauca region, where migration due to violence and conflict is widespread, Luisa collaborates with local organizations to empower young people. These efforts encourage education and community leadership while boosting local economies through agriculture. Her organization supports programs that teach young people vital skills, from farming bananas and avocados to building entrepreneurial and leadership abilities. These efforts nurture the spirit of Cauca’s young residents, helping them preserve their cultural heritage and build sustainable futures in their homeland.

On an international scale, Luisa’s work with AYM in Sierra Leone follows a similar model. AYM founder Abu-Hassan Koroma developed the initiative to support youth affected by Sierra Leone’s civil war. By offering paths to self-sufficiency through tech and ecotourism, AYM inspires thousands of young people to stay and contribute to their communities instead of migrating.

Luisa’s work shows that migration does not have to mean leaving everything behind. By fostering resilience and creating chances for youth to grow, she leads by example, showing the world that migration can spark positive change for individuals and communities.

Conclusion

Migration impacts millions worldwide, yet leaders like Luisa Fernanda Cambino Palacios help make this journey one of empowerment. Through her work in Colombia and Sierra Leone, Luisa has supported thousands of young people, helping them embrace their roots while building skills and stability. As Luisa’s story illustrates, migration’s challenges can become an opportunity for growth and transformation with the right support.

In 2010-11, I had the privilege of serving as a VSO volunteer in Sierra Leone, living in the small riverside town of Mattru Jong. While exploring the town one Sunday, I came across a building with a signboard displaying “African Youth Movement (AYM).” Curious, I stepped inside, where a group of young people greeted me warmly and shared the mission of AYM. I was excited to have found new friends outside of work.

The following morning, one of the young men, a tall boy I had met at the AYM office, joined me during my martial arts practice. He was interested in learning, but I clarified that martial arts required hard work and regular training. I invited him to join me the following day at 5 am, and he did so faithfully. His name was Sylvester, but he mentioned he loved chess, so I started calling him “Chess,” a nickname he gladly accepted. From then on, Chess became a daily companion and introduced me to other AYM volunteers like Omaru and Idris.

My friendships with the AYM volunteers transformed my experience in Mattru Jong. Together, we planned expeditions to places like Mosele Beach and Gendema Mountain. We cooked, slept under the stars, and spent hours by the river—creating unforgettable memories.

On Omaru’s request, I began sharing knowledge with the AYM volunteers on Sundays, covering topics such as teamwork, eco-tourism, motivation, time management, and business planning. They appreciated my contributions and, as a token of gratitude, often shared cornflour paste with me, a simple but delicious meal. Despite their severe poverty, they collected what little they had to prepare food, even though I urged them not to.

While it was heartbreaking to see my friends struggle daily with hunger and basic needs, I was continually inspired by their resilience. Despite their hardships, they never lost hope. They never complained or blamed anyone, remaining confident that a better future awaited them. Their unwavering spirit has stayed with me; whenever I face challenges, I remember the smiles of Chess, Omaru, and Idris and re-energized.

The AYM volunteers often spoke about Denis, a community leader whose teachings and work profoundly impacted them. I was eager to meet him, and when I finally did, I understood why. Denis introduced a solar energy system that helped the AYM volunteers start a mobile charging center, creating a new livelihood opportunity. They were also deeply involved in eco-tourism efforts and educating the community about the importance of trees for the ecosystem.

The AYM volunteers had ideas to improve their community, from building roads to providing electricity, clean water, and health services. Despite the many obstacles—lack of technology and financial resources—they remained determined to bring change. I do not doubt that their dreams will one day become reality, as their passion and drive are as precious as diamonds emerging from coal.

I wish them all the best in their journey toward a brighter future.
You can reach Sharad at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-pant-8b28088/

During the interview, Annie shared her background in editing videos, a journey that began in childhood and continued through high school electives and college studies. She has worked professionally with companies like Rhinestones Unlimited, where she created media to promote products and services. Her ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and her creativity make her a perfect fit for the volunteer position at AYM.

Annie’s role involves editing video content, syncing audio, adding transitions, and enhancing the visual quality of AYM’s projects. She aims to help produce engaging videos supporting AYM’s mission to empower African youth. Annie will also collaborate with AYM’s media team to ensure the videos are aligned with the movement’s goals.

One unique aspect of Annie’s work is the opportunity to explore various video editing software tools. Although proficient in iMovie and DaVinci Resolve, she is open to learning new software like CapCut, widely used in creating YouTube content. Her adaptability and dedication to learning are valuable traits that align with AYM’s mission of innovative growth and youth empowerment.

The organization is thrilled to have Annie on board, and her contributions are already set to impact the YouTube channel significantly. Annie’s involvement goes beyond the technical aspects of editing—she is also poised to influence the creative direction of AYM’s video content.

As the AYM continues to grow, volunteers like Annie Carlson are essential to its success. They help to amplify the movement’s voice across Africa and beyond.