Koromasilaya is a vibrant community located in Musaia Chiefdom, Koinadugu District, in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. Historically, the area has been home to several indigenous ethnic groups, including the Kuranko, Mandingo, Fula, Limba, and Yalunka peoples. These groups have significantly shaped the cultural and political landscape of the region. The community’s foundation is rooted in agriculture, trade, and the pursuit of security. Shared cultural values and beliefs have fostered a strong sense of unity among its residents.
Koromasilaya is predominantly Muslim, with Islamic practices deeply embedded in the daily lives of its people. The Mandingo language is widely spoken and generally accepted throughout the community, reflecting its rich cultural blend. This diversity is celebrated and preserved through mutual respect and traditional customs. The town is led by Chief Pa Sarlie Kamara, a respected leader with a strong Islamic background, who oversees development and upholds the community’s cultural heritage.
Marie Stopes and Community Engagement
As part of its outreach strategy, the Marie Stopes Koinadugu Mobile Outreach Clinic identified Koromasilaya as a community that had not been reached for several years.
Samba Kamara, the Social and Behaviour Change (BCC) Officer, visited Koromasilaya to engage with local stakeholders regarding the upcoming visit of the mobile outreach clinic. He was warmly welcomed with the traditional offering of kola nuts. However, after deeper discussions with key stakeholders, it became clear that there was strong resistance to the idea of family planning and the presence of the outreach team. Despite this, Samba was able to collect contact information from several community gatekeepers, young women, and lactating mothers who had attended the meeting.
A New Approach
Two weeks later, Samba returned to Koromasilaya with a more strategic approach. He visited a local “Ataya base,” a popular gathering spot for young men, and initiated a conversation about the pressing issues affecting the community—particularly teenage pregnancy and the importance
of education. This sparked a lively and honest debate, with many acknowledging that teenage pregnancy was a major barrier to the community’s development.
Samba introduced family planning as a practical solution and educated the group on the various free methods available, both short- and long-term. He shared his contact information and left the community with a renewed sense of hope.
A week later, he received a WhatsApp message from Tenneh Conteh, a young woman from the community who expressed interest in family planning. She located the mobile outreach clinic and accessed the services she needed. Inspired by her experience, Tenneh began sharing her story with her peers, and awareness quickly spread throughout the community.
Community Transformation
The following week, Samba returned to Koromasilaya—this time with strong support from the youth. Tenneh, now a satisfied client, organized a community meeting and invited Samba as a guest speaker. She chaired the meeting and passionately advocated for family planning, emphasizing its importance for married women and school-going girls. She shared her personal journey and encouraged others, including community leaders, to embrace the services.
Tenneh’s courage and testimony helped shift community perceptions. By the end of the meeting, the stakeholders publicly apologized for their initial resistance and warmly welcomed the Marie Stopes Mobile Outreach Clinic to continue providing services in their community.
Conclusion
Today, the Marie Stopes Koinadugu Mobile Outreach Clinic is well accepted by the women, girls, men, and stakeholders of Koromasilaya. This success story highlights the power of persistence, community engagement, and youth advocacy in transforming attitudes toward family planning. Marie Stopes Sierra Leone remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of communities across the country.