Empowering Communities: Musa Kondeh's Transformative Journey with ACCI

In the ever-evolving landscape of youth development and community empowerment, few stories shine as brightly as that of Musa Kondeh—a passionate changemaker from Sierra Leone whose work embodies the transformative power of purpose, collaboration, and international exchange. As a 2024 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Fellow, Musa embarked on a life-changing journey, bringing his deep commitment to environmental advocacy, project management, and youth empowerment to the heart of Philadelphia. His three-month practicum at the Action for Collective Change Initiative (ACCI)—formerly known as the K & J Family Foundation—from February 3rd to April 29th, 2024, was supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX. The CEE Fellowship program is designed to equip emerging civil society leaders like Musa with the tools and networks needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. Driving Change from the Ground Up During his time at ACCI, Musa worked across several key initiatives—bringing innovative ideas, strategic insight, and a collaborative spirit that strengthened both program execution and internal operations. One of his primary contributions was to ACCI’s food distribution program, a lifeline for vulnerable populations across Philadelphia and its surrounding communities. Musa helped enhance the program’s efficiency and reach by restructuring distribution strategies, ensuring that aid delivery was inclusive, timely, and responsive to the unique needs of various community groups. Championing Environmental Stewardship Musa also led impactful work on ACCI’s Philly Green Initiative, which promotes sustainable practices and environmental responsibility within urban neighborhoods. Drawing on his extensive environmental advocacy experience in Sierra Leone, Musa helped refine the program’s goals, design action-oriented strategies, and mobilize local stakeholders. His efforts provided fresh momentum for long-term environmental stewardship in the community. Advancing Youth Innovation and Skill Development True to his passion for youth empowerment, Musa contributed to the early development of the Youth Innovation Hub—a visionary space committed to fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and skill-building among young people in Philadelphia. His work laid the groundwork for what will become a transformative resource for equipping the next generation of changemakers. Strengthening Organizational Capacity Beyond specific projects, Musa played a crucial role in strengthening ACCI’s internal structures. As the Founder and Managing Director of LEAD Sierra Leone, he brought valuable expertise in leadership and organizational development. Musa introduced structural reforms that enhanced operational efficiency, promoted collaboration, and ensured that ACCI could scale its impact sustainably. A Lasting Legacy of Global Leadership Musa’s journey with ACCI is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young leaders are given opportunities to grow and lead. His contributions not only enriched ACCI’s programs but also sparked lasting improvements in its systems and team culture. As he returns to Sierra Leone, Musa carries with him new skills, expanded networks, and an even deeper commitment to empowering youth and driving community-led development. At Action for Collective Change Initiative (ACCI), we are proud to have partnered with a visionary like Musa. His journey reflects our core mission—to shape a more just, sustainable, and inclusive Africa through grassroots leadership, international collaboration, and relentless hope.