Alhaj Maddi Bangura has been honoured with the prestigious AKIF MANAF Health and Peace Award in recognition of his outstanding efforts to support disadvantaged children and young people, particularly those living on the streets, in slum communities, and other underserved areas across Sierra Leone.
The Health and Peace organisation, which is based in Europe, recognised Bangura for his commitment to empowering vulnerable children and young people through sports, education, mentorship, employment opportunities, and community development initiatives.
Bangura’s work focuses particularly on young people who use sports as a pathway to personal development and a better future.
Through sports training and youth development programmes, he promotes healthy living, encourages talent development, and creates opportunities for young people to access international education, professional mentorship, employment, and economic empowerment. He also supports initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation.
With this recognition,
Bangura becomes the first Sierra Leonean representative of the Health and Peace Award.
A Commitment to Youth Development and Education
Bangura has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to initiatives that promote education, sports, and employment opportunities for young people.
His passion for community development dates back to his university years, when he actively engaged in activities designed to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
He currently serves as the Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Gymnastics Federation, where he continues to contribute to the development and promotion of gymnastics and youth sports in the country.
Beyond his responsibilities in sports administration,
Bangura remains actively involved in supporting children from disadvantaged communities, particularly those living in slum areas.
Through his personal initiatives and community engagements, he has contributed to providing scholarships and educational assistance to children and university students across Sierra Leone.
Empowering Young People Through Sports and International Opportunities
Bangura has also created opportunities for young people to develop their talents through specialised training programmes, particularly in acrobatics and other sporting activities.
Through AFRI Talent Academy SL, of which he is a co-founder, he works to train and prepare young talents in line with international standards, helping them develop the skills and discipline needed to pursue professional opportunities.
In 2025, Bangura facilitated the visit of three international scouts from England, Portugal, and Denmark to Sierra Leone. The visit provided an opportunity for the scouts to identify and assess talented young people for potential educational and professional development opportunities in Europe.
This initiative represents another important step in his efforts to connect Sierra Leonean talents with international platforms and opportunities.
Supporting Youth Development and Community Transformation
Bangura’s commitment to youth empowerment is also reflected in his involvement with Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW), now known as Restless Development.
During his participation in training programmes organised by the organisation, he contributed to initiatives aimed at preventing the spread of HIV while equipping young people in Sierra Leone’s post-war communities with essential life skills and knowledge to improve their livelihoods.
His involvement in such programmes further demonstrates his longstanding interest in public health, education, youth empowerment, and community development.
Promoting African Creativity Through the Africa Diaspora Fashion Hub
In addition to his work in sports and education, Bangura is the co-founder of the Africa Diaspora Fashion Hub (ADFH) in Sierra Leone.
The initiative aims to promote African and diaspora fashion, celebrate cultural creativity, develop local talent, and improve the professional skills of young people to meet international standards.
Through the platform, Bangura seeks to create opportunities for emerging creatives to showcase their talents, access professional networks, and participate in the growing fashion and creative industries.
He is also supporting the professional development of graphic design students at Limkokwing University through a fashion brand he established in Sierra Leone.
The initiative provides a platform for young designers to showcase their creative abilities, gain practical experience, and improve their access to employment and business opportunities.
A Recognition of Service and Dedication
The AKIF MANAF Health and Peace Award represents recognition of Bangura’s continued commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Sierra Leone.
His work across sports, education, health awareness, fashion, and youth development reflects a broader vision of empowering young people to become skilled, confident, and productive members of society.
As the first Sierra Leonean representative of the Health and Peace Award,
Bangura’s recognition also brings attention to the importance of community-driven initiatives in creating opportunities for vulnerable children and young people.
Through his continued efforts, he remains committed to using sports, education, creativity, and international partnerships as tools for positive change and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
