Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the Values & Beliefs of OM !SA?

The values and beliefs of OM !SA are rooted in just relationships.

OM !SA values:

  • Popular youth engagement
  • A national human rights culture
  • Consensus building
  • A safe and healthy environment
  • Transparency and public accountability
  • A dignified and worthy life
  • A free, professionally competent and responsible media
  • Quality education for all without discrimination
  • A peaceful, supportive and caring society.

OM !SA firmly believes in:

  • The grace and supremacy of God
  • The freedom, equality and brotherhood of mankind
  • The family as a child’s first line of defense against a harsh society
  • The powerful capacity of the internet as an instrument of change
  • The rich potentials of youth to shape their own lives and impact society
  • The potency of the media in influencing and transforming society
  • The universality and indivisibility of human rights and freedoms
  • A bright and prosperous future for Sierra Leone
  • A wired world.

 

Who are OM !SA’S targets?

OM !SA’s primary targets are underprivileged adolescents and youth in deprived social settings, adult learning environments or marginalized groups in society. OM !SA therefore specifically or incidentally targets the following groups of people with its programmes:

  • Marginalized and distressed youth
  • Students
  • Delinquent and reforming youth
  • Policy makers
  • Youth leaders and social activists
  • Journalists
  • Parents, educators and trainers
  • Out-of-school and unemployed youth.

What is the Governing Structure OM !SA?

OM !SA’s management and administrative structure is as follows:

  • The General Body
  • The General Assembly
  • The National Executive Council
  • The Regional Executive Council
  • The Board of Trustees
  • The Panel of Experts
  • The Youth Panel
  • Standing Committees

What are the membership categories of OM !SA?

OM !SA’s membership fall into eight (8) categories, namely:

  • Foundation members
  • Full members
  • Honorary members
  • Life members
  • Corporate members
  • Affiliate members
  • Invited members
  • Board members.

What are OM !SA’s membership rights and privileges?

The rights and privileges, which every member is entitled to include

  • Equal opportunities
  • Prompt and comprehensive information
  • Appeal for pardon, amnesty, mercy etc
  • Seek redress
  • Assistance when appropriate and the resources available
  • Identification and membership cards
  • Representation at the GA for Corporate Members

What do you gain by joining OM !SA?

The expected benefits which shall follow active membership include:

  • Free access or special subscription rates to scarce publications, briefing papers, special studies and reports
  • Inspiration, enlightenment and support
  • National, regional and global integration
  • Easy access to a national network of social workers
  • Hands-on experience with the dynamics of volunteerism and service
  • Establishing workable lasting relationships
  • Increase self-confidence and the ability to think through important life issues independently
  • Raising your own financial support
  • Making the most of your leadership, participatory and creative potentials
  • New and rewarding career opportunities
  • Ability to easily recognize and deal with propagandas
  • Becoming computer and information technology friendly
  • Educational support
  • Broader recognition and appreciation of the concerns and desires of youth
  • A richer curriculum vitae
  • Broader understanding and appreciation of the complex social, economic and political processes unfolding in Sierra Leone
  • A vision of the future.

How is OM !SA funded?

OM !SA is financed through the following sources:

  • Registration fees
  • Membership subscriptions
  • Emergency contributions
  • Grants-in-aid/sponsorships
  • Income generating projects
  • Public funding

Does OM !SA engage in fundraising activities?

Yes. But OM !SA undertakes fundraising activities only with the view to be able to support or sustain its work. Therefore, all fundraising activities are within the provisions of our constitution and a fundraising policy formulated by the General Assembly in other to avoid conflict of interest and safeguard the organization’s independence.

What are OM !SA’s areas of opportunity?

All programme activities of OM !SA’s apply to the following areas of opportunities:

  • Individual opportunities
  • Management opportunities
  • Institutional opportunities
  • Community opportunities
  • International opportunities

Is OM !SA government controlled?

No. OM !SA is not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions other than those recognized by its Constitution. It is therefore free to formulate policies and operational strategies in accordance with its legally registered goal and objectives.

Who monitors OM !SA’s programmes?

To ensure transparency, accountability and positive results from the implementation and management of the organization’s programmes at national as well as community level, the following classes of people keep watch on their progress:

  • Beneficiary communities
  • National Executive Council
  • Regional Executive Council or its implementing agent(s)
  • Board of Trustees
  • Youth Panel
  • Donor/funding agencies
  • Government through line ministries

What are the conditions of service for OM !SA staff?

The conditions of service for OM !SA staff and volunteers raising their own support are being developed by OM !SA.

Is OM !SA’s a partisan organisation?

No. OM!SA refrains from partisan and sectoral activities, be they economic, social, political or otherwise, other than those necessary or incidental for the realization of its mandate and the general advancement of humanity. All its members therefore endeavors to avoid mixing their personal, political, economic and social activities with the organization’s activities in such a manner that the public might be tempted to conclude that the organization exists for political, economic, religious or sectoral reasons

Who does OMISA consider to be a child, an adolescents or young person?

In OM!SA’s view, except national or international legislations otherwise require, majority is attained as follows:

  • A child means any human being below the age of 18
  • An adolescent means any child above the age of 12
  • Youth means any human being above 18 but below 36 years
  • Young People generally mean any human being below the age of 35 including children.

What are the Guiding Principles of OM !SA?

OM !SA strives to be a model of indigenous initiatives especially in its field of endeavor through commitment, innovation, dynamism, patriotism, professionalism, specialist knowledge, strategic collaboration, volunteerism and service.

OM!SA also endeavors to win public confidence, maintain popular awareness, efficient collaboration, consistent growth and development through its established offerings, while developing and expanding new ventures and modifying old initiatives to ensure community profitability and the organization’s sustainability.

Who hosts OM !SA’s organizational web site?

This website is hosted generously for us by the staff of www.kududesign.co.uk .