ABC-Development has successfully concluded a two-day strategic planning workshop aimed at refining its vision, mission, and long-term objectives, as the organization positions itself for stronger impact over the next five years. The session was facilitated by Edward Kamara, Lead Consultant of Millennial Sierra Leone, and brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including ABC-Development staff, community leaders, development partners, and representatives from the Ministries of Gender and Social Welfare, Education, and Health. The engagement focused on setting strategic priorities and strengthening the organization’s commitment to community welfare and sustainable development.
On the first day, participants reviewed ABC-Development’s previous strategic plan, assessing its vision, mission, values, achievements, and challenges. Through group discussions and brainstorming sessions, participants examined gaps in implementation and explored practical ways to overcome obstacles that had limited the organization’s effectiveness in certain areas. The discussions reflected ABC-Development’s long-standing role in supporting education, health, gender empowerment, and livelihoods across communities in Sierra Leone.
The second day centered on consolidating ideas into a cohesive strategic framework to guide the organization’s work over the next five years. Executive Director Ibrahim Sillah explained that the workshop was designed to ensure that ABC-Development’s future direction aligns with the needs and expectations of communities, partners, and stakeholders.
Sillah highlighted several achievements recorded by the organization over the years, particularly in advancing gender equality and community empowerment. He noted that ABC-Development has improved literacy and numeracy for 680 women across 32 communities through adult education programs, constructed eight primary schools, trained communities to manage these schools, and supported small-scale farming initiatives benefiting over 2,500 women and youth. He emphasized that the organization’s goal for the next five years is to enable people to access justice, earn sustainable livelihoods, and live peacefully within their communities.Sillah also underscored ABC-Development’s contribution to government efforts in popularizing new laws and promoting women’s participation in governance. These interventions have contributed to increased female representation in decision-making structures, including the election of two women from Kambia District to Parliament.
Despite these successes, the organization continues to face funding challenges. ABC-Development is currently working with partners such as Trocaire, Action Aid Sierra Leone, and CARE Sierra Leone, while actively seeking additional partnerships to sustain and expand its programs.
Acting Board Chairperson, Mr. Foday M. Bangura, acknowledged the limitations of the organization’s previous strategic plan and stressed the importance of updated policies to drive productivity and social development. He expressed appreciation to participants for their constructive input and commitment throughout the workshop.
ABC-Development was founded in 1996 during the civil conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone by Dr. Foday Suma, in response to the humanitarian and socio-economic challenges caused by the wars and their potential spillover effects. The organization was officially registered in Sierra Leone in November 1998 and has since focused on improving livelihoods in Kambia District.
Over the years, ABC-Development has expanded its interventions across food security, health, education, and community empowerment. Key projects implemented include the Epidemic Control and Reinforcement of Health Services, Integrated Community Case Management and CHW Program, Civic Action for Sustainable Health Care Service Delivery, and emergency response initiatives following the 2017 floods and mudslides.
The conclusion of the strategic planning workshop reflects ABC-Development’s commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity and adapting to evolving development challenges. The new strategic plan is expected to guide the organization’s efforts to promote social and economic development, peacebuilding, and the well-being of rural communities across Sierra Leone.
