One Family People (OFP) on Friday, 23rd October 2026, brought to a close a three-day strategic planning workshop held at City Hall in Freetown, aimed at developing the organization’s Strategic Plan for 2027–2031. The workshop, which began on 21st October, brought together OFP staff, partners and stakeholders under the theme: “Stronger Together for an Inclusive Future.” It was held with support from Liliane Fonds and facilitated by Strategic Connections Limited, a consultancy whose tagline is “Unlocking Potential.”
Speaking at the opening, OFP Executive Director Samuel P.O.V. Macauley said the workshop provided an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s achievements, assess its impact on persons with disabilities and identify priorities for the next five years.
He said the process was intended to encourage frank discussions and collective thinking about how OFP could continue supporting persons with disabilities and their communities while responding to emerging needs.
Samuel P.O.V. Macauley explained that the strategic planning process had been ongoing since the previous year and formed part of wider restructuring efforts within the organisation. He expressed hope that participants would develop a clear direction for OFP’s next phase of work by the end of the workshop.
He also called on participants to examine the organization’s strengths, challenges and opportunities, including how it could sustain its programmes, strengthen collaboration with partners and maximize its impact over the long term.
Discussions during the workshop focused on identifying priority areas, improving communication and partnerships, and aligning OFP’s programmes with national development priorities and disability-related policies.
The planning workshop also provided an opportunity to consider how Government institutions, Civil Society Organisations and development partners can work more closely to improve access to services and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Samuel P.O.V. Macauley thanked the organization’s Board, co-founder, partners and stakeholders for their continued commitment to its work, reaffirming OFP’s dedication to advancing the rights, inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities.
In his presentation, Tom Olila, Lead Facilitator of Strategic Connections Limited, said the process would enable participants to reflect on OFP’s journey, identify lessons from previous programmes and collectively determine the organization’s future direction.
He explained that the first phase focused on reviewing what the organisation had done well, areas requiring improvement and lessons that should inform its next strategic period. Participants were also expected to examine OFP’s identity, mission, vision, values and the unique contribution it makes to persons with disabilities and their communities.
Tom Olila said the workshop would progress towards defining strategic priorities, objectives and interventions for the next five years, drawing on feedback gathered through stakeholder engagement, interviews and focus group discussions. The findings would be presented to participants for further discussion, validation and collective decision-making.
He emphasized that effective strategic planning requires organisations to be clear about who they are, what they seek to achieve and where they want to go before deciding which partnerships and approaches will best support their goals.
The facilitator also encouraged participants to engage openly, work collaboratively and manage their time effectively throughout the three-day process.
Speaking on behalf of partners organization, Dr. Abdulai Dumbuya, Founder of Dorothy Springer Trust, whose organisation is one of OFP’s partners, described the workshop as an important opportunity to assess past achievements, identify gaps and strengthen collective efforts to advance disability inclusion.
He urged participants to ensure that the proposed five-year strategic plan focuses on practical, sustainable and measurable interventions, particularly in education, skills development, employment, access to services and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in society.
He also stressed the need to move beyond project-based collaboration by strengthening coordination, resource mobilisation, information sharing and accountability among organisations working in the disability sector.
According to him, partner organisations possess different experiences and expertise that, when effectively combined, can improve programme delivery and produce lasting benefits for persons with disabilities in the country.
He reaffirmed the POs’ commitment to working with OFP and other partners to advance disability inclusion and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone.
The resulting 2027–2031 strategic plan is expected to guide the organization’s priorities, partnerships and programme implementation over the next five years, with an emphasis on building a more inclusive future for persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
