Turkish Aid Bolsters Youth Mechanics Through Youth Ministry-Supported Garage Project

On August 28, 2023, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) made a generous contribution of mechanical tools to enhance a pilot garage project aimed at empowering young individuals. The presentation of these tools took place at the Care Garage located in Goderich, Freetown, and was conducted by Mohamed Orman Bangura, the Minister of Youth. This collaborative effort stems from the initiatives led by Youth Envoy Yulisa Ahmadu, represents the youth of Sierra Leone through the Youth Ministry.

Representing the Turkish government were Mr. Mehmet Ozdemir, the Coordinator of TIKA, and Mr. Mehmet Selim Ortok, the Third Secretary of the Turkish Embassy.

In his address, Minister of Youth Mohamed Orman Bangura conveyed his gratitude to the Youth Envoy for facilitating the partnership between the Turkish Embassy and TIKA, which enabled the acquisition of the donated equipment. He also expressed his appreciation for the mechanical tools received, emphasizing the significance of both small and large contributions.

Minister Bangura highlighted the importance of the garage project in providing a supportive environment for marginalized youth, allowing them to acquire valuable skills and reshape their life narratives. He emphasized that this endeavor marks just the beginning, with more individuals poised to benefit in the future. The Minister also offered guidance to both the beneficiaries and garage workers, urging them to safeguard the tools and distance themselves from harmful influences like drugs.

Ishmail Alie Turay, the Head of Care Garage, extended his gratitude to the Turkish delegation and the Ministry of Youth for their generous donation. Recognizing the value of the provided tools, he emphasized how the diverse mechanical equipment would enhance their operations, pledging responsible handling to ensure their sustainability.

The Chairlady of the Godrich Community expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Turkish representatives and the Minister of Youth for their generosity. She conveyed the immense joy she experienced upon learning that the garage project would receive mechanical tools, furthering the empowerment of the youth in the Goderich community.

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) operates under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. Focusing on development cooperation, TİKA is active in over 150 countries and is a key player in Turkey's official development assistance to developing countries. Their efforts are particularly concentrated on supporting Turkic countries and communities.