The All ‘Works’ of Life (AWOL) development organization has successfully wrapped up a two-day foundational media training for members of the Concern Koya Chiefdom Media Team and three officers of the Masiaka Police Division. The sessions, held on 15 and 16 November 2025 at the Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Masiaka, were facilitated by AWOL Chairman and Ex-Officio of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, who volunteered his expertise under AWOL’s new “Giving Back to Society” initiative.
The training aimed to improve community journalism and strengthen communication between local authorities and residents. Participants received instruction in news writing, ethics, balanced reporting, interviewing techniques, community storytelling, advocacy and the responsible use of digital and social media tools.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said empowering grassroots journalists is central to community development.
“As AWOL, we believe development begins with empowered communities. By strengthening the skills of grassroots journalists, we help shine light on real issues in places like Masiaka and Koya Chiefdom. This is part of our commitment to give back; sharing our expertise so communities can tell their stories, hold duty bearers accountable and inspire positive change.”
The initiative was sponsored by Abdul Kabba Kargbo, popularly known as “Super,” Chairman of the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB) Masiaka Division and Chairman of Kaduna, AWOL’s highest decision-making body. He said supporting the programme reflects his commitment to youth advancement and community empowerment in Koya Chiefdom.
“Supporting this training is my way of helping the people of Koya Chiefdom,” Abdul Kabba Kargbo noted. “When our local reporters and police officers are better equipped to communicate, the entire community benefits. I am committed to sponsoring more media capacity-building programmes because an informed community is a stronger, safer and more united community.”
The training also provided a platform to discuss key challenges facing the chiefdom, including inadequate electricity supply, limited access to quality education, the absence of a community radio station and rising drug abuse among young people.
At the closing ceremony, participants received certificates of participation. The Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Masiaka Police Division, CSP John B. Koroma, was awarded a Special Certificate of Merit for his leadership in promoting police-community cooperation.
“This training has strengthened the bond between the police and the community we serve,” CSP John B. Koroma said. “Effective communication builds trust and trust enhances security. We appreciate AWOL and Abdul Kabba Kargbo for this support and we look forward to future collaborations that promote peace, accountability and development in Koya Chiefdom.”
Coordinator of the Concern Koya Chiefdom Media Team, Buya Koya Kamara, expressed gratitude to both AWOL and the sponsor.
“This training has equipped us to serve our community better. We are ready to highlight our challenges and work with stakeholders to find solutions. We feel empowered to report more responsibly and amplify the voices of our people.”
AWOL, a national civic and development organization, continues to complement Government’s nation-building efforts through philanthropy, volunteerism, community outreach, awards and capacity-building initiatives that promote unity, service and sustainable development across Sierra Leone.
The Calabash Newspaper is Sierra Leone’s leading English‑language news platform—established in 2017 to deliver trusted coverage of politics, culture, health, and more to audiences both at home and abroad.
