AFS Intercultural Programs and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), creating a strategic partnership to empower young leaders, educators, and students across the nation. The agreement was officially signed by Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS, and Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, at the annual AFS Youth Assembly in August 2025.
This collaboration is a significant step forward, opening doors for Sierra Leonean youth and educators to participate in AFS opportunities, including the AFS Global STEM Accelerators, the AFS Global STEM Educator initiative, and the Effect+ for the Classroom program. The partnership will also ensure greater participation in the AFS Youth Assembly itself.
“This partnership is both deeply personal and nationally significant,” said Minister Bah, who has a long-standing relationship with AFS dating back to his early youth advocacy days. “AFS has been part of my own journey, and now it will be part of Sierra Leone’s journey to develop a generation of confident, globally-minded changemakers.”
Under the new agreement, AFS and Sierra Leone will work together to provide crucial cross-cultural training, leadership development, and exchange programs. These initiatives are designed to build global competencies, nurture social entrepreneurship, and inspire civic engagement both at home and abroad.
The new agreement with Sierra Leone is aligned with the organization’s strategy to empower more young people to become Active Global Citizens. “We are thrilled to partner with Sierra Leone in expanding access to transformative intercultural experiences,” said Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS. “Together, we will ensure that young people gain the skills, networks, and perspectives they need to tackle global challenges and lead in their communities.”