Getting to Know Sheku: A conversation with our Director of Programs and Partnerships
At One Village Partners, leadership begins with listening. That’s why we sat down with Sheku Gassimu Jr, our Director of Programs and Partnerships, to get a window into the everyday moments, big ideas, and personal reflections that drive his work. From navigating full days in the field to envisioning a more equitable future, Sheku shares what’s ahead for 2025 , and why this year feels like a turning point for the organisation
"What message would you like to share with our donors and partners?"
Don’t give up! Community-led intervention Works! Sustainable development begins with centering the participation and voices of the people. At One Village Partners, we believe in the transformative power of community-led solutions grounded in the wisdom, priorities, and collective determination of rural communities to create impactful, lasting wellbeing. Thanks to your generosity and partnership, this year, we are expanding our reach across Kono district and beyond. Together, we are empowering women in our partner communities to boost their income and food security, uniting communities to work to improve access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and education, and nurturing the next generation of leaders to build a more equitable future for all.
Every contribution you make, whether funds, time, or trust, would help fuel this transformative work. With your support, we are not just meeting our goals, we are unlocking the resilience and potential of these partner communities, transforming lives, and building a more resilient and prosperous future. This is the future of sustainable development: by the community, for the community, led by the people, for the people. Thank you for trusting and standing with us!
A Day in Your Shoes
What does a “typical” day look like for you, if such a thing even exists?
Ideally, a typical day in my life is dynamic, filled with new challenges and opportunities that keep me engaged and productive. My daily routine involves listening to colleagues, critically discerning information, learning and unlearning, attending meetings, being involved in strategic team planning, responding to a flood of emails, and community engagement. My morning usually kicks off with reviewing progress, checking my inbox for emails, attending scheduled meetings, visiting communities to witness our work in action, or tackling any immediate challenges. Afternoons are often spent on partnership, responding to emails, reflecting on progress, planning next steps, or brainstorming innovative initiatives. Evenings are dedicated to reflection and rest to recharge. Truly, no two days are alike for me.
If you could have dinner with any famous figure, past or present, who would it be and why?
There are many influential figures whose work continues to intrigue and inspire my day-to-day work. Barack Obama and Emile Durkheim, to Chinua Achebe and Robert Kiyosaki, have shaped my thinking through their work. But if I could have the opportunity to dine with any famous figure, it would undoubtedly be Riane Eisler. As a blazing social scientist, cultural historian, and a true advocate for partnership systems, her work on shifting societal structures from systems of domination to partnership models resonates deeply with me. I would seize the opportunity to discuss her ideas on building equitable, more sustainable, and compassionate systems, and explore how to apply these principles to grounded community-led development and global challenges. I strongly believe her insights would be transformative in shaping a more inclusive and empowering force in my work here.
What projects will be completed this year in communities? What are you most looking forward to this year?
This year, I am incredibly excited to complete several Community-led infrastructural projects that will significantly transform lives across our partner communities. These include the Good Governance project in Kambama, the new school project in Gouma and Tinkonko, the public health facilities in Njala Mandu, Nikabu, Nyagbe-Bo, and Nyadehun Junction that bring improved access to clean drinking water and sanitation to over 3,000 people. We are also expanding our agricultural training and women’s empowerment program to 1000 additional people. In all these programs, I look forward to seeing the tangible real-world impacts of these projects, from children of school-going age attending schools within their community, families achieving food security and improved income and entire communities benefiting from clean drinking water and access to sanitation, all of these leading to improved quality of life for the ordinary man and women across our partner communities.
🌍New Partnerships in Kono
What has been the response so far to new partnerships in the Kono District? Any unexpected surprises or standout moments?
The engagement from Kono district authorities, community leadership, and direct participants has been impressive and truly remarkable. Our expansion in Kono has yielded incredibly positive results through the effective implementation of the NOW (Nurturing Opportunities for Women) program across 12 communities, reaching 1,000 participants. What continues to excite me the most is witnessing how the local leaders are taking ownership of the program, dramatically increasing and strengthening community buy-in. By conducting our sessions in Krio, we have overcome initial communication barriers, resulting in outstanding participant enthusiasm, punctuality, and community leadership support despite implementing the model for the first time there.
🎉Theme for 2025
What makes 2025 different from previous years? If 2025 had a theme, what would it be?
Personally, 2025 marks a pivotal year for us. We are scaling up our proven Community-led approach to empower 1000 women in Kono district while bringing fresh, innovative approaches to our established programs in Kailahun and Kenema by always making sure that local voices are leading the way.
Behind the scenes, we have transformed how we usually operate. Our teams’ seamless transition between programs this year proves our ability to adapt dynamically without compromising program effectiveness and impact. If I had to capture 2025 in one sentence, it would undoubtedly be “Accelerating impact through effective adaptation, collaboration and solidarity.”
Handover ceremonies are always a highlight. What’s your favorite part of these celebrations? Is there a moment that always gives you goosebumps?
Nothing compares to witnessing the pride and joy of community members as they take individual and collective ownership of their projects. The celebration of diversity and the richness of the culture and tradition of our people.
Those unforgettable moments that always shine and give me chills every time are when men pledge to support their wives' ambitions to achieve their desired goals, when women's voices are amplified and respected in community meetings, and when community leaders and members express their sincere gratitude and commitments to sustaining the projects. These powerful experiences are reminders of why CLD works as it builds trust, consensus, fosters unity, and creates lasting change, which continue to remind me exactly of why we do this work.
Moments That Stick With You
Out of all the powerful moments from the past year, which stories stand out to you the most?
One of the most inspiring moments last year for me was witnessing firsthand women stepping boldly into leadership roles to drive change in their communities. In Ngolahun, I watched as men actively supported their wives and relatives, working side by side to plant rice to improve food security and income for households. And it did not stop there. In Majoe and Sawula, women spearheaded the construction work of a new school and latrines for households, rallying both young and old to contribute labor and local resources. In Magbema, when the pump project stalled, the women helped organize an emergency meeting to negotiate with their local labour and reported the incident to staff for an immediate response, thereby earning public praise from their authorities.
While these were isolated cases, they show significant determination and growing movements across the communities. Time and again, I have had the privilege to see these transitional gender roles enhancing communities to mobilize and take collective action towards progress, which demonstrates that when women are provided the space to use their voice and lead development, everyone thrives.