Future Leaders Initiative SL

We, the members of Future Leaders Initiative SL, recognizing the urgency of protecting children and women from violence, discrimination, and social injustice, and acknowledging the laws of Sierra Leone, including the Child Rights Act 2007, the Sexual Offences Act 2012 (as amended in 2019), and the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Policy 2009, do hereby establish this Constitution as the guiding framework for our work. FLI-SL aligns with international human rights frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), to ensure our advocacy is globally recognized and impactful

PURPOSE:

Future Leaders Initiative SL (FLI-SL) was founded by Ibrahim S. Bangura, a survivor of corporal punishment and other forms of violence, with a deep commitment to protecting the well-being, rights, and future of vulnerable children.

FLI-SL is dedicated to ending violence against children, women, and girls in Sierra Leone by addressing corporal punishment, child maltreatment, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, domestic violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), and child marriage.

As a child and women-led non-profit, FLI-SL works to protect dignity, promote education, and advocate for systemic change. Recognizing barriers to child protection and access to education, particularly in rural communities, we are committed to empowering marginalized groups with opportunities for growth and advancement.

FLI-SL upholds the highest ethical standards, ensuring that all members and partners align with our values of integrity, respect, and child protection.

Core Values:

Dignity: We uphold the inherent worth and respect of all individuals, ensuring that every person is treated with dignity and honor.

Education: We believe in the transformative power of education, providing children and women opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Equality: We are committed to advocating for equality, ensuring that every child and woman has equal access to resources, opportunities, and rights.

Peace: We foster safe and peaceful environments, free from violence, where children and women can thrive.

Transformation: We are dedicated to fostering positive change in individuals, families, and communities through empowerment and advocacy.

Educate: We are dedicated to educating children, women, and communities to raise awareness about their rights and responsibilities.

Empower: We empower children and women by equipping them with the skills and support they need to make informed decisions and shape their futures.

Promote: We actively promote the well-being of children and women through advocacy and campaigns that ensure their voices are heard.

Protect: We focus on protecting children and women from harm, ensuring their safety and safeguarding their rights.

General Objectives

The main objectives of Future Leaders Initiative SL (FLI SL) are to:

1. Advocate for and uphold the dignity and protect the rights of children, women, and girls in Sierra Leone.
2. Raise awareness and promote nonviolent parenting and educational practices.
3. Support the implementation of child protection policies, such as the creation of 'No Hit Zones' in schools and other public spaces.
4. Empower children and parents through community-based support initiatives, including C2C (Children-to-Children) and P2P (Parent-to-Parent) programs.
5. Promote gender equality by providing resources and opportunities for women and girls to thrive socially, economically, and professionally.
6. Establish and support safe, inclusive, and non-violent educational environments for all children.

Specific Objectives

To further its mission, FLI SL shall:

1. End Violence Against Children:
   • Develop and implement programs aimed at eradicating corporal punishment in schools and homes.
   • Promote the creation of safe spaces and provide support for children who have experienced trauma or abuse.
2. Advocacy and Policy Influence:
   • Advocate for policy changes that protect children’s rights, with a focus on education, health, and welfare.
   • Collaborate with local and international organizations, government bodies, and stakeholders to strengthen child protection frameworks in Sierra Leone.
3. Capacity Building and Empowerment:
   • Provide training and educational resources for parents, teachers, and community leaders on child protection, gender equality, and nonviolent communication.
   • Empower young people, particularly girls, through leadership programs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and community engagement activities.
4. Community Engagement:
   • Foster community-based solutions for protecting children and promoting their rights, including the formation of child protection committees and task forces.
   • Build partnerships with local governments, religious institutions, and other organizations to create a united front in safeguarding children.
5. Resource Mobilization:
   • Secure financial and material support for FLI SL’s programs through fundraising activities, grants, and partnerships with other NGOs and development agencies.
6. Support Mental Health Programs:
   • Develop and implement mental health support programs for children and women recovering from trauma, aiming to restore dignity and emotional well-being.
7. Promote Economic Empowerment:
   • Promote economic empowerment initiatives to reduce financial dependency and vulnerability, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
8. Advocate for Children’s Digital Rights and Online Safety:
   • Advocate for policies and initiatives that ensure the protection of children’s digital rights and promote online safety, preventing digital abuse, exploitation, and harmful content.
   • Raise awareness about the importance of safe digital spaces for children and provide resources for parents and educators to support safe internet use.