In November, IUG held a five-day partner seminar in Freetown, bringing together our partners from Sierra Leone and Togo. The seminar marked an important milestone in our work to strengthen partnerships, share experiences, and develop a strategy that is rooted in our partners’ needs and ambitions. The strategy is designed not only to set a clear direction and define key goals but also to remain flexible so we can adapt to new challenges and priorities. This ensures that our technical-humanitarian efforts generate the greatest possible impact.
Inspiring Presentations and Workshops
The seminar featured engaging presentations and discussions on the role of civil society, capacity building, and sustainable solutions. SLANGO, the umbrella organization for NGOs in Sierra Leone, highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing civil society. Our partners shared their experiences and provided valuable input on how we can work together to achieve even greater impact.
Community and Social Activities
The week’s program also included social activities that strengthened the bonds between our organizations. A particular highlight was a beach clean-up organized by Skill Pool Sierra Leone and Propel Organization, where we collectively removed 2.3 tons of waste in less than three hours. This effort underscored the pressing need for sustainable waste management—an area where IUG is actively working at both the local and national levels.
National News and the Future
Our Secretary General, Peter Horne Zartsdahl, had the opportunity to present IUG’s work on national news in Sierra Leone, highlighting the significance of our partnerships across sectors and countries. You can watch the SLBC broadcast below.
With the seminar, we have laid a strong foundation for our future strategy, balancing clear goals with the flexibility to respond to new challenges. A big thank you to our partners—including SEND Sierra Leone, World Hope International, Skill Pool Sierra Leone, LeoTech, Propel Organization, and ADSA—for several great days together. And a special thanks to CISU for making the seminar possible.
Watch the video below, where our Chairman, Erland Stubkjær Christensen, Vice Chairman, Rasmus Visby, and Secretary General, Peter Horne Zartsdahl, reflect on the seminar.
