Empowering youth across Sierra Leone
Youth Empowerment, Leadership and Governance Initiative (YELGI-SL)
YELGI-SL, also known as the Youth Empowerment, Leadership and Governance Initiative, is a youth-centered civic and leadership organization in Sierra Leone creating space for young people to build confidence, participate in governance, and drive positive change in their communities.
Youth
leadership and civic engagement at the center of our mission
Impact
community-rooted programming that responds to real local needs
Vision
ethical, responsible, and visionary leadership for national development
Our focus
A modern civic organization helping young people rise into leadership.
01
Youth empowerment
We invest in youth leadership, civic awareness, personal growth, and public participation.
02
Governance education
We promote understanding of leadership, institutions, democracy, and accountability.
03
Opportunity creation
We open doors for mentorship, advocacy, policy dialogue, and community-driven development.
Mission
To create opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, participate in governance processes, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
- Leadership and governance learning
- Youth civic participation and public voice
- Community engagement and advocacy
- Mentorship, networks, and ethical leadership formation
Why YELGI matters
Helping turn difficult beginnings into meaningful futures.
Youth Empowerment, Leadership and Governance Initiative is rooted in lived experience. Its founder’s journey from displacement during the Sierra Leone civil war to civic leadership gives the organization a strong moral center and a clear purpose.
Leadership
Inclusion
Governance
Advocacy
Ethics
Service
Featured pages
Featured.
Founder spotlight
A story shaped by conflict, resilience, education, and purpose.
Patrick Tamba Tengbeh was born in a refugee camp in Guinea during the Sierra Leone civil war. That early experience of displacement, instability, and limited opportunity shaped a lifelong commitment to youth empowerment, leadership, and better governance.
Today, his academic and community journey continues to inspire YELGI-SL’s vision for a new generation of ethical and engaged young leaders.
Read founder storyMeet the team
A strong leadership team guiding YELGI-SL with purpose.
Founder
Patrick Tamba Tengbeh
Founder of YELGI-SL and the driving voice behind its youth leadership, governance, and civic engagement mission.
Vice President
Vice President
Supports institutional leadership, strategic planning, and organizational coordination across major initiatives.