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/

Dr. Wurie has taken an innovative approach by working with partners like UNDP to launch a pilot project aimed at improving both technical and soft skills. This initiative supports youth engaged in the informal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The project focuses on two key sectors: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in Freetown and building and masonry in Kenema, both with high employment potential.

This program includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which allows participants to formalize their skills through certification. By partnering with Freetown Polytechnic and Eastern Technical University, the initiative ensures that both youth and trainers are better equipped to sustain vocational training efforts for future generations.

The program also prioritizes gender equality, encouraging young women to participate in fields traditionally dominated by men. This aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitment to empowering women across all economic sectors.

The partnership culminated in a certification ceremony for participants who now hold qualifications to advance in these growing industries. The event also involved the Local Content Agency, which will include these newly trained professionals in the national skills database to ensure they are prioritized for future job opportunities.

This initiative demonstrates the impact of partnerships like the one between MTHE and UNDP in empowering youth and contributing to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic growth. Through this effort, the country builds a brighter future for its young professionals.

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