Take a look at the amazing empowering work of the Development Office in West Africa.

Who we are and What We Do

The Christian Brothers Development Office (CBDO) is the development arm of the Congregation of Christian Brothers in West Africa Area. Guided by Presence, compassion and Liberation, we empower marginalized communities through education, advocacy, livelihoods, social justice and gender equality.

By mobilizing resources, managing projects, and fostering partnerships, we uplift vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and youth. Through fundraising, project implementation, and capacity-building, we collaborate with donors, partners, and communities to create sustainable solutions. Our mission is to promote human dignity, social inclusion, and long-term development, ensuring lasting change where it is most needed.

Seeds of Change Project - Mabureh Village, near Makeni

In Mabureh, a rural village in Bombali District, North Sierra Leone, where deep-rooted patriarchal norms and economic barriers have long dictated that agriculture is a man’s domain, the Seeds of Change Project is rewriting the narrative. Women in this male-dominated community have historically faced limited access to land, financial resources and decision-making power, forcing them into subsistence roles with little or no control over their economic futures. The absence of social amenities and government support further compounded their struggles, leaving them vulnerable and without opportunities for economic growth.

However, through the unwavering commitment of this project, funded by Misean Cara, Cbert, UNIDO and the Combined Services for Third World Fund (CSTWF), women are now taking center stage in agriculture, proving that they not only belong in farming but can thrive in it. The three-year project aims to empower 100 women farmers—50 in the first year, 75 in the second, and 100 in the third—providing them with the tools, skills, and access needed to succeed in sustainable agriculture.

Now in its first year of full implementation after a successful pilot phase (January–June 2024), the project has already transformed the lives of 50 women farmers, giving them a voice in determining their future. Through strategic engagement with local stakeholders, women now have secure access to farmland, where they practice climate-smart agriculture to boost household income and food sufficiency.

Unlike before, when women’s labor only benefited male landowners, the proceeds from their harvests now go directly to them, allowing them to invest in their families, send their children to school, and improve their overall quality of life.

To sustain this transformation, the project has also linked the women to the Agriculture Department in Makeni, where they receive technical training, mentorship and ongoing support to enhance their productivity and resilience. By challenging societal norms and fostering economic independence, the Seeds of Change Project is proving that agriculture is not just for men—women can do it just as well, if not better. This initiative is not only about farming—it is about empowering women, creating food security and breaking the cycle of inequality in a community where women are finally reclaiming their rightful place in agriculture and beyond.

Work of our Hands Project - Bo

In the heart of Bo Town, where poverty and limited opportunities push many young women and girls toward uncertain and often dangerous paths, the Work of Our Hands Project stands as a beacon of hope.

Bo, as Sierra Leone’s second-largest city, is plagued by social inequalities that disproportionately affect women and girls, leaving them with few avenues for economic independence. Many are trapped in cycles of poverty, exploitation and negative coping mechanisms, making skills training not just a necessity but a lifeline to dignity and empowerment.

In its first year, 30 women and girls completed training in computer studies, tailoring, hairdressing and cosmetology, and catering, while an overwhelming 200+ applicants sought a place in the second cohort of 2025. However, due to budget constraints, only 40 could be accommodated, underscoring the urgent need for expansion.

This initiative is more than just vocational training—it is a powerful movement towards empowering women with the skills, confidence, and independence to break free from the cycle of poverty and become agents of change in their communities.

Adolescent Girls Empowerment Initiative - Blama

In Blama, Small Bo Chiefdom, the harsh realities of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and limited educational opportunities have long dictated the futures of adolescent girls. In this rural community, deep-rooted gender norms and socio-economic hardships often force young girls to abandon their dreams, pushing them into vulnerable situations where their potential remains untapped. With poverty levels high and access to quality education and vocational training scarce, many girls see marriage and domestic responsibilities as their only path forward, leaving them trapped in cycles of dependency and inequality.

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Adolescent Girls Empowerment Project was piloted in 2022 and 2023, with funding from Edmund Rice Development (ERD), initially targeting 70 girls. The pilot phase uncovered a significant demand for a safe space where girls could learn, grow, and challenge societal barriers.

The three-year project provides holistic support, integrating education, mentorship, leadership training, and life skills development to help girls navigate challenges and break free from poverty and gender-based discrimination. Since its inception, the project has already had a profound impact on the lives of the beneficiaries. Many girls who were previously at risk of dropping out are now actively engaged in their education, pursuing learning with renewed confidence.

Through targeted life skills training in gender rights and reproductive health, the girls are becoming more informed and empowered to make independent choices. The project also fosters strong community engagement by involving parents, traditional leaders, and educators, creating an environment where harmful societal norms are being challenged, and greater support for girls' empowerment is emerging. Additionally, the project team in tandem with the local authorities reviewed the chiefdom bye-laws to ensure stringent measures are in place to promote children’s access to education and free from abuse.

Through advocacy, mentorship, and community collaboration, the Adolescent Girls Empowerment Project is reshaping the future for young women in Blama. What began as a small pilot initiative has now become a transformative force, offering 150 girls hope, dignity, and the power to dream beyond societal limitations.

Over the next three years, the project will continue to expand, ensuring that more girls rise above adversity, claim their rightful place in society, and build a future of limitless possibilities.

Edmund Rice International Training in West Africa

The Edmund Rice International (ERI) training in West Africa Area, led by Br. Tino, provided an invaluable opportunity for project staff, Brothers, teachers, and pupils across Sierra Leone and Liberia to deepen their understanding of human rights and advocacy. Held in multiple locations (Hamilton, Gbarnga and Bo), the sessions equipped participants with essential knowledge and practical skills for effective advocacy.

In Hamilton and Freetown, approximately 30 participants engaged in training covering key topics, including the foundations of human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from a human rights perspective and climate change as a human rights issue. The sessions also explored the charity-of-service model versus the rights-based advocacy model, highlighting the need for sustainable, justice-driven responses to human rights violations.

Following the training in Sierra Leone, Br. Tino spent a week in Liberia working with Brothers and advocacy coordinators at St. Martin School. His engagements emphasized the importance of integrating human rights education into schools and projects, ensuring staff and students are well-equipped to promote justice and equality. Br. Tino also worked with a group of Liberians helping them to draft their UPR submissions to the UN since their UPR comes up in November this year.

Upon returning to Sierra Leone, Br. Tino conducted further training sessions for the postulants at the Christian Brothers formation center in Bo as well as key representatives from the Bo Diocese, followed by a session for staff and students at the Senan Kerrigan Vocational Center in Bo.
These trainings empowered duty bearers and vocational trainees with critical knowledge of human rights principles and their practical applications.

This In-Country ERI training significantly strengthened the capacity of staff and pupils, equipping them with the knowledge needed to engage effectively in advocacy. Participants expressed appreciation for the valuable insights gained into human rights processes and procedures.

The West Africa Area Mission Office extends its gratitude to the ERI team for funding this crucial initiative. Special recognition goes to Br. Tino, whose expertise and commitment ensured impactful training sessions, further enriching our advocacy work and empowering participants to champion human rights in their communities.

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