AYV News, July 13, 2026
The Legal Aid Board (LAB) has conducted a one-day refresher training for members of Community Advisory Bureaus (CABs) aimed at strengthening community justice through improved data collection, referral mechanisms and collaboration with key stakeholders.
The training, held at the Board’s headquarters on Wilberforce Street in Freetown, brought together CAB members from the Goderich, Lumley, Approved School, Old Wharf, Calaba Town and Rogbanbancommunities.
The programme focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Community Advisory Bureaus, ethical conduct, confidentiality, community service standards, referral pathways, community engagement, and data collection and reporting.
Addressing participants, the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, underscored the critical role Community Advisory Bureaus play in resolving minor disputes and promoting peace at the community level.
She explained that the Board regularly organises refresher training to ensure bureau members remain equipped with the knowledge and skills required to effectively handle cases brought before them.
Ms. Carlton-Hanciles urged participants to remain impartial in carrying out their duties, stressing that although their services are voluntary, they should always act with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.
She encouraged bureau members to maintain close engagement with the Legal Aid Board, describing the institution as their first point of contact whenever they require guidance or support.
Calling on participants to serve as ambassadors of peace, she reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to strengthening community-based justice mechanisms and supporting the work of Community Advisory Bureaus across the country.
The training also featured technical presentations by the Board’s Human Resource Manager, Counsel Ibrahim Bangura, who spoke on landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, matrimonial property, marriage by cohabitation, sales and lease agreements, and the distinction between state and private land.
Another presentation was delivered by Mr. AlhajiAlghassim Sesay, who guided participants on referral mechanisms, case documentation, follow-up procedures and effective case management.
