In 2004, the Youth Movement for Peace and Non-Violence launched an agriculture/fishing project with the Devil Hole Community on the outskirts of Freetown.

Comprising approximately 300 families, the main sources of income in the community were the manual production of charcoal and gravel. Over the three year project, the project will provide economic and food security for the community over the long-term.
   

The Youth Movement provides support in three main areas:

FISHING

The Movement has purchased two fishing boats and equipment for use by the community. Experienced fishermen will train unemployed youth in the community in traditional and modern fishing skills. Funds raised through the sale of the fish will be used for future community projects.

AGRICULTURE

The organisation assisted the community to develop large-scale rice and cassava plantations. This agricultural project will provide long-term food security for the Devil Hole Community. Future development will include agricultural training for local farmers. Cash crop plantations will be developed to provide economic benefits for the whole community.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Lifestock are provided to families within the community. Families are responsible for the care and maintenance of the animals. The first offspring from each breeding pair are passed to another family within the community. This project is self-sustaining, while providing significant economic benefits to the families involved.

FUTURE PROJECTS

In the long-term the Youth Movement is aiming to build a school and medical clinic in the Devil Hole Community. The nearest school is 12 miles along a busy highway. In 2003, two village children were killed by traffic while walking to school.