By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
In honour of their late father, the family of Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara has officially launched a foundation aimed at empowering youth and uplifting communities across Sierra Leone.
The foundation, which is set to make a significant impact, reflects their father’s lifelong commitment to education, community service, and youth development.
Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara, who died 51 years ago, was a British-trained lawyer, civil servant, and diplomat. He served as a Senior Minister in Sierra Leone’s first cabinet, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, President of the UN Security Council in 1971, and Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Canada.
Speaking at the launch event held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, the Chief Executive Officer of the I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation, Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo, described the foundation as a dynamic, impact-driven organization dedicated to empowering communities, advancing sustainable development, and promoting social change.
She emphasized the foundation’s strong focus on women’s empowerment, youth leadership, education, climate action, and entrepreneurship, all aimed at building resilient communities in Sierra Leone and beyond.
She highlighted that their father believed empowering the next generation was crucial for building a stronger, more resilient society. Following his passing, the family recognized the importance of continuing the work he had passionately pursued.
Hawa disclosed that the foundation will undertake a range of initiatives, including educational scholarships and mentorship opportunities for young individuals. It will also provide the necessary resources to help youth develop the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive world.
She further shared that the foundation’s flagship project, SheRises; an ambitious women’s empowerment initiative has already provided economic assistance and mentorship to numerous women in business and supported the education of female university students.
The project aims to empower at least 500 women through intensive entrepreneurship training, provide direct investment in 50 small women-led businesses, and promote economic independence and community impact.
She noted that the SheRises project is currently being implemented in other African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and across West Africa.
Also speaking at the event, Ishmael Taylor-Kamara, son of the late Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara, emphasized that the family is not just remembering their father but taking actionable steps to ensure that his vision for a better future for the youth of Sierra Leone lives on. Through the foundation, they hope to inspire others to join them in making a meaningful difference.
Beneficiaries of the SheRises project, including Zainab Kamara, a paper, groundnut, and rice farmer; Tity Kargbo, a seamstress; Zainab Konneh, a makeup artist; and Snowsha Mariatu Taylor-Kamara, a university student, shared testimonies on how the initiative has transformed their lives. They expressed deep gratitude for the support received.
Addressing the gathering, 90-year-old Lois Sarah Taylor-Kamara, wife of the late Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara, said she was gratified to see her children honouring their father’s legacy through life-changing and community development initiatives. She urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunities provided by the foundation.
