Mary Finda Fellah, 15, is originally from Bo, but she now lives in Freetown with her family of nine and a dog. Mary enjoys sharing her favorite meals of rice and soup with her family. She speaks Krio, Mende and English. When not attending Junior Secondary School, her hobbies include reading, writing, singing and playing basketball. During the war, Mary's education was interrupted because her family relocated to escape the fighting. Mary is currently studying in order to make up for the break in her education along with her participation in the Voice of Youth program. She aspires to become a journalist, and names President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah as her ultimate interview. She also cites him as a role model because of his communication skills and how he cares about the country. If she could travel anywhere in the world, she would visit Canada. She views poverty as the largest problem facing Sierra Leone and its youth. Mary hopes to improve her English and learn journalism skills as well as advocate on behalf of Sierra Leone's poor as a youth journalist.

In Her Own Words:"One day I was asked by my friend to become a member of Voice of Youth. I was very excited and went there the following day. At first, I was shy, but now my teacher is very impressed and my dad is also happy. I wish Voice of Youth could always be there for young people in my country."

Kadiatu Sesay, 16, has lived in Freetown her entire life with her family and a cat. She speaks Krio, English and Limba and enjoys singing, reading and playing volleyball when she is not studying at the Freetown Secondary School for Girls. Kadiatu has achieved the Senior Secondary School Stage and is studying art. During the war, Kadiatu fled Freetown with her family for the northern part of the country and she is currently studying diligently to make up for the education she missed. Kadiatu hopes to ultimately become a journalist and her dream interview is President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. She became involved with Voice of Youth to learn more about her chosen field while advocating for the youth of Sierra Leone. Kadiatu believes that poverty is the most important problem facing Sierra Leone's youth and she says that if she could change just one problem in life, she would stop corruption.

In Her Own Words: "I was always a shy person but, after associating with members of Voice of Youth, I am now an active member of the Youth and Child Advocacy Network and I am also a member of my school's drama group."

Momodu Turay, 18, was born in Freetown. He speaks Fullah, Krio, Limba and English and lives with his family of five and a pet monkey. Momodu's favourite foods are rice and soup and he enjoys playing football and reading in his spare time. During the war, he became a refugee and fled to the Republic of Guinea but his refugee status hindered his education in the arts. Momodu, who is currently out of school, is awaiting his results from the West Africa Senior Secondary School Examinations and employed as a barber in addition to his duties at the Voice of Youth Media Project. His ultimate ambition is to become the best journalist not only in Sierra Leone, but in the entire world. He admires Tony Blair because of his leadership skills and names him as his ultimate interview. Momodu chooses the United Kingdom as his ultimate travel destination. Listing corruption as the primary problem facing the youth of Sierra Leone, he hopes to advocate on behalf of Sierra Leone's voiceless through the Voice of Youth project.

In His Own Words: "My family and I have benefited immensely from my participation in this program. After attempting the Senior Secondary School Examinations, I was unable to go to college, but I was privileged to be a member of the VoY radio programme. Right now, I am bold enough to present and produce radio programmes pertaining to youth issues. I use my barber salon to talk about VoY to my customers and this has influenced my colleagues greatly."

Musa Salim Kargbo, 18, currently lives in Freetown with his extended family of twelve and a cat. He enjoys foo foo and okra soup and his favorite pastimes include reading and playing basketball. Musa completed his primary education at St. John's Primary School and he is presently a form two student at the Sierra Leone Grammar School. Musa is fluent in Krio and English. During the war, Musa's education was disrupted but he hopes to become a lawyer. He would like to travel to the USA and his ultimate interview is George W. Bush. Musa admires Michael Jordan because he inspires him in playing basketball. He sees corruption and poverty as the biggest problem in Sierra Leone and would like to advocate for young people.

In His Own Words: "Since my participation in Voice of Youth, I have learned many new things in the areas of broadcasting, moral standards and youth interaction. Now, I can produce and present radio programmes on youth issues. Voice of Youth is my best friend because I have nowhere else to go."

Kadiatu Bangura, 19, was born in Congo Town, Freetown and has a family of ten. She speaks Krio, Temne and English fluently. She enjoys rice and cassava leaves, as well as listening to music and reading. She is currently in Stage Three, studying the arts at the Government Technical Secondary School. Kadiatu's education was disrupted during the war that claimed the lives of two members of her family. Currently studying to compensate for the break in her education, Kadiatu balances her education with the Voice of Youth project. Her ambition in life is to become a lawyer, and she admires them as a group because of her high regard for justice. Hoping to travel to the United States, she names President George W. Bush as her ultimate interview. Citing corruption and poverty as the largest problems for Sierra Leone's youth, she looks forward to learning more about journalism and advocating for youth.

In Her Own Words: "My participation as a youth journalist has improved my interviewing and recording skills. I can handle studio equipment and I am confident in information communication pertaining to issues of young people in my community."

Christiana Lappia, 20, was born in Kissy, Freetown and has a family of forty and a dog. She speaks Krio, Mende and English fluently. Christiana enjoys snacking as well as playing basketball, reading and listening to music. She attended the St. Joseph's Secondary School and has completed the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. During the war, her education was suspended however, she is currently receiving computer training with the hope of becoming a journalist. Christiana would like to travel to the USA and cites President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah as her ultimate interview. She also admires Robin White of the BBC because he asks good questions during interviews. She sees poverty as a big problem in Sierra Leone. Through her participation in the Voice of Youth programme, she hopes to advocate for young people in her community.

In Her Own Words: "I am very grateful to be with the voice of youth's team. After school I thought of attaching my self and was happy to be on board this team. During the training, I learnt so many things that are of help and importance to me and my family now. I only wish this programme will continue to empower young people in my country."

Mohamed Alarini Bah, 21, was born in and currently resides with his family of nine in Freetown. His favorite part of the city is its center, where the famous COTTON TREE is located. Mohamed enjoys rice and cassava leaves and his favorite pastimes include playing football, singing and acting. Although he graduated as a science student from St. Edwards Secondary School, during the war, his education was interrupted because Mohamed and his family moved regularly after their home was burned down. Despite the interruptions to his education, he is planning to become a medical doctor. Mohamed cites United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan as someone that he admires and as his ultimate interview because of Annan's commitment to solving global conflicts. Through his participation in Voice of Youth, Mohamed hopes to learn more about journalism to enable him to reduce the levels of violence among youth in Sierra Leone.

In His Own Words:" 1. Voice of Youth has made an impact in my life. After completing the senior school examination, I was bored at home. Since I became a member of the programme, I have learned a lot. I can now interview, produce and present radio programmes. My prayer is that we will always have this wonderful opportunity to build the minds of young people in Sierra Leone."

Esther Kargbo, 21, was born in and currently resides in Freetown with her family of thirty. he speaks Limba, Krio and English fluently. Esther enjoys snacking as well as athletics, reading, listening to music and watching movies. She attended the Government Rokel Secondary School and has completed her West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. During the war, her education was disrupted and her family was forced to flee Sierra Leone to seek refuge in Guinea Conakry. Esther is currently in the film industry learning acting and cites President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah as her ultimate interview. She would like to travel to the USA and admires Elizabeth Blunt of BBC because of her reporting style. She sees corruption as the biggest problem in Sierra Leone.

In Her Own Words: "My participation in Voice of Youth is appreciated by my parents. I was a bit shy at the beginning but now, I do well. Earlier on, I wondered why I should be a journalist but seeing the need for youth advocacy, I decided to become one. I learned a lot during the training and can now present good programs."

Salifu Koroma, 21, was born in Regent Village in the Mountain Rural District. He speaks Krio, Loko and English and enjoys rice and soup with his family and pet cat. During his free time, Salifu enjoys playing football, swimming and reading. He studied Arts at the Albert Academy Secondary School, and has completed the West Africa Senior Secondary School examinations. During the war, Salifu's education was interrupted because his family was forced to move frequently after their home was burned down. While Salifu waits for his examination results, he is participating in Voice of Youth with an ambition to become a journalist. He admires Voice of America's Mary Morning because of her presentation style. Salifu's ultimate travel destination is the United States. If he could change one part of life, he would improve the living conditions of all Africans. Salifu believes that poverty is the largest problem facing the youth of Sierra Leone and he hopes to advocate for better living conditions through his participation in Voice of Youth.

In His Own Words: "Since I started the Voice of Youth radio program, I have learned lots of new things such as being bold and outspoken, and to respect others' views and opinions. This program has helped me to interact with youths in my community."

Alieu Kargbo, 21 was born in the Moyamba District of the Southern Province, but currently resides in Freetown. He enjoys eating rice and cassava leaves with his family of nine. Alieu speaks Krio, Temne, and English and enjoys reading and playing football during his spare time. During the war, he was forced to drop out of school at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School shortly after completing Junior Secondary School Stage Three. Alieu's family had to relocate after their home was burned down during the war. Alieu is currently employed as a photographer, a profession that he developed during the war and he aspires to become a photo journalist. He names President George W. Bush as his ultimate interview, and the United States as his ultimate travel destination. He views corruption and poverty as the main problems facing the youth of Sierra Leone.

In His Own Words: "1. As a school dropout (form three) and a photographer, I was very happy to become a member of Voice of Youth. I never thought such programs existed for young people like us. I can now interview, analyse and present Voice of Youth's sports program."

Juinsa Sillah Swarray, 21, currently lives in Kenema with his extended family of twenty-five and a cat. He enjoys rice and cassava leaves and his favourite pastimes include playing basketball and reading. Juinsa completed his primary school education at Amaria Primary School and is currently in form five at St. Edwards Secondary School. He is fluent in Mende, Krio and English. During the war, Juinsa's parents were killed in the village of Doe in the Eastern Province. He hopes to become one of the best accountants in Sierra Leone. He would like to travel to Canada and cites President George W. Bush as his ultimate interview. Juinsa believes poverty is the biggest problem in Sierra Leone.

In His Own Words: "When I finished Secondary School, I felt it was necessary to belong to some group. Voice of Youth was the ideal young interacting group for me. Knowing that I am helping to build a better life for my contemporaries is a thing of joy for me. I have never done this before, and I am amazed at the skills I have developed through my participation in Voice of Youth."

Massah Kallon, 21 lives in Aberdeen with her family of ten and a cat. She enjoys playing football and her favorite food is fufu and okra. Massah attended Aberdeen Municipal Primary School and is currently preparing for the West Africa Senior Certificate Examination at the International Islamic Secondary School. Massah's education was delayed for a year during the war. She is interested in the arts and hopes to become a broadcaster. Her ultimate interview is United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. She would like to travel to England and admires former United States President, President Bill Clinton. Massah sees poverty as Sierra Leone's greatest challenge.

In Her Own Words: "Since completing my secondary school education, Voice of Youth has broadened my knowledge of youth advocacy. I am very proud to be a member of Voice of Youth and it occupies my thoughts everyday. With the experience and knowledge gained during the training, I now present "Youth Corner".

Ajaratu Conteh, 21, lives in Freetown with her extended family and a dog. She loves playing volley ball and singing, her favorite food is cassava leaves and rice and she speaks Krio and English. Ajaratu attended the St. John's Primary School and is currently awaiting the results of her West African Senior Certificate Examination at the Methodist Girls High School. Ajaratu's education was delayed for one year during the war and she hopes to become an accountant. Her ultimate interview is the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan and she admires the United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice . Ajaratu sees poverty as the biggest problem in Sierra Leone and she hopes to advocate for young people while participating in this project.

In Her Own Words: "Voice of Youth has helped me to identify and improve my ability to present radio program. During the program, I was a bit shy in demonstrating practical skills. However, I was encouraged to keep attending and that gave me the enthusiasm to do well. Now, I can boldly conduct interviews and also present radio programmes."

Ramata Fofanah, 21 lives in Kono with her extended family of ten and a cat. She enjoys eating rice and stew and her favorite pastimes include playing football and reading. Ramata attended the Methodist City Mission Primary School and the Methodist Girls High School in Congo Cross. She is currently a student at the Institute of Commercial Management. During the war, her family moved often and this affected her education. Her ultimate interview is United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan. She adores Queen Elizabeth of England because of her integrity, courage and love for children and she hopes to visit the United Kingdom. Ramata sees poverty and corruption as the two evils facing Sierra Leone today. She hopes to advocate for young people through radio presentations.

In Her Own Words: Voice of Youth has made me very bold in putting my case or points across. As a member, I am very grateful for the training undertaken in order to be of help to young people. Voice of Youth is a blessing in disguise.

Joseph Smart, 22, lives in Bo with his family of six and a dog. Joseph enjoys rice and beans and his favorite pastimes include playing football, singing and reading. He attended the Government Secondary Technical School and has completed the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. Joseph is fluent in Mende, Krio and English. During the war, his family home was burned down and they had to move. Joseph hopes to be a journalist and youth activist. He would like to travel to the USA and cites Dr. Alpha T. Wurie Minister of Education in Sierra Leone as his ultimate interview. He also admires Ronaldino, the football star because of his sports talents. He believes the biggest problem in Sierra Leone is poverty and corruption.

In His Own Words: "I used to be a shy person while in school, but, deep down, I have always loved advocating for youths. Voice of Youth gave me the confidence to speak out on youth issues in my community and Sierra Leone in general. My English has improved also."

Lansana Ansuma, 22, was born in Bo and he currently lives in Aberdeen with his family and a cat. He enjoys rice and cassava leaves and his favorite pastimes are playing football, reading and singing. He speaks Temne, Krio and English. During the war, Lansana's family home was burned down and they moved from Kissy to Aberdeen. Lansana finished his secondary school education from Government Technical School in Congo Cross and he is currently awaiting the results from his Senior School examinations while participating in the Voice of Youth project. He would like to be a famous and efficient journalist and his ultimate interview is His Excellency, President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. He admires Samuel Valcarcel of Radio United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) because of his excellent broadcasting skills. He would like to travel to the United Kingdom someday. Lansana sees corruption and unemployment as the biggest challenge facing Sierra Leone and he would like to acquire skills in youth advocacy and broadcasting while participating at the Voice of Youth Media project.

In His Own Words: "I have always wanted to be involved in youth activities after my secondary school education. I am privileged to be a member of the VoY radio programme team. Even though I used to be a shy school prefect in my secondary school, Voice of Youth has liberated me. Now, I can boldly discuss youth issues with my friends and colleagues".

Mohamed Sesay, 20, was born in Monrovia, Liberia and he currently lives in Freetown with his family and a dog. He enjoys rice and stew and his favorite pastimes include playing football, reading and music. Mohamed speaks English, Krio, Madingo and Mbambara. During the war, Mohamed's father was killed. He finished his secondary school education from Government Rokel Secondary School Tower Hill. Mohamed would like to study engineering but he also hopes to become a journalist someday. His ultimate interview is United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan and he admires President George W. Bush. Mohamed hopes to travel to Canada and would like to be known as a man with high integrity and credibility. Mohamed sees poverty and corruption as the biggest problem in Sierra Leone. He joined Voice of Youth in order to be versatile.

In His Own Words: "I have always wanted to be part of a youth dissemination exercise. Now that I have found one I am very happy. With the skills acquired, I hope to help my colleagues in and around my community. Voice of Youth is a very good program because it is of the youth, for the youth, and by the youth."

Former VoY participants

Safiatu Mansaray, 16, was born in Congo Town, Freetown. She speaks Krio and Temne. Safiatu lives with her family and a dog, and enjoys rice and cassava leaves. Her hobbies include football, cooking, singing and dancing. Safiatu reached Primary Six level at St. John's Primary School before having to drop out of classes in 2000 due to the war. Safiatu became homeless during the war because her house was burned down and then went to work as a hairdresser to support herself and her family. Safiatu is currently training to become a professional hairdresser along with her responsibilities at Voice of Youth. Her dream trip would be to visit the United States and she says that President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah would be her ultimate interview. Safiatu sees poverty as the greatest issue facing the youth of Sierra Leone, the one problem she would like to fix. She became involved with Voice of Youth in order to address youth issues and to become a youth advocate, particularly for other school dropouts. In Her Own Words: "I love the program and will find a way to talk to my colleagues, school dropouts."

Isata Abjatu Sillah, 17, was born in and currently resides in Freetown. She speaks Krio, Temne and English and enjoys eating rice and cassava leaves with her family and pet cat. Isata's favorite pastimes include the high jump, reading and dancing. She is currently studying science at the Senior Secondary School Stage Two at the Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School. Isata's education was disrupted by the war when her home was burnt down and she fled Freetown with her family to the northern part of Sierra Leone. Isata is currently balancing her activities at Voice of Youth with her education. She is studying diligently to make up for the break in her education and aspires to become a medical doctor. She names United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan as her ultimate interview and she admires Tony Blair because of his communication skills and ethics. Given the chance to travel anywhere in the world, she would visit the United States, and given the chance to change one part of life, she would end corruption. She believes that the greatest problem facing the youth of Sierra Leone is poverty. Isata plans to learn about journalism and become an advocate for Sierra Leone's youth. In Her Own Words:

Hassan Fuad Kanu, 21, was born in and currently resides in Freetown. He speaks Krio and English and enjoys playing football, listening to music and reading. His favorite foods are krain krain and rice, which he likes to share with his family. He is currently a commercial student in Senior Secondary School Stage Three at St. Edwards Secondary School. Like many others during the war, Hassan moved throughout Freetown after two of his family's homes were burned down. Hassan is currently balancing his education with his Voice of Youth involvement, and hopes to someday become a banker. In keeping with his interest in business, he names Bill Gates as someone that he admires greatly. If he could travel anywhere, he would visit Canada, and would interview President George W. Bush. He views poverty as the greatest problem facing the youth of Sierra Leone and, if given the chance to change a part of life, would erase terrorism. He joined Voice of Youth in order to become a youth advocate and give the poor a voice. In His Own Words: "I hope that this program will be a lasting one, encouraging youths from all over the world to tackle their issues."