By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DoFA), on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, celebrated three years of dedicated service during which the organization’s website was unveiled. The event, held at their office on Albert Street, Off Circular Road, Freetown, was a momentous occasion, graced by esteemed guests including representatives from the Ministry of Labour and the National Telecommunications Commission of (NATCA), alongside prominent figures like Asmaa James amongst others.
DoFA, a non-profit organization, was established three years ago with a noble mission: to ensure a dignified life for elderly individuals aged 60 and above who often find themselves marginalized, neglected and unsupported. Over the years, the organization has touched the lives of thousands of elderly citizens in various regions across Sierra Leone, including Freetown, Kenema, Bo, Kono, and Makeni.
CEO of DoFA, Doreen Barrie, shared her joy and gratitude for the progress made during the organization’s brief but impactful existence. She called upon the Government to collaborate with them in providing the basic necessities that older citizens require to live dignified lives.
The highlight of the celebration was the launch of DoFA’s website, a pioneering initiative in Sierra Leone dedicated to showcasing the activities, stories, and achievements of elderly citizens. CEO Doreen Barrie emphasized the importance of this online platform as a means for the international community to gain insight into the lives of elderly Sierra Leoneans and to facilitate support from organizations worldwide.
“We have observed other nations successfully highlighting the activities of their elderly populations through the web, and we are determined to follow suit here in Sierra Leone. With this website, people from across the globe will now have a window into the lives of our elderly citizens,” she enthused.
Reverend Father Peter Conteh, the Board Chairman of DoFA, marvelled at the organization’s accomplishments, equating their three years of work to that of a fifteen-year-old institution. He underscored the need for Sierra Leone to grant special privileges and attention to its aging population, as is common in many other countries.
Cassandra Garber, the matron of DoFA, expressed her enthusiasm for the progress the organization has made, applauding the dedication of CEO Doreen Barrie and all DoFA members. She urged them to continue their selfless work reminding them that their reward lay not only in human recognition but also in the blessings of God.
Commissioner Robert Kondima Kargbo, the representative from NATCA, commended DoFA for taking on the crucial task of caring for Sierra Leone’s elderly people, emphasizing that their approach set them apart from other organizations. As the body responsible for network connectivity in the country, NATCA pledged to support DoFA, especially in maintaining the newly launched website and encouraged them to persevere in their noble mission.
Musa Bockarie, the representative from the Ministry of Labour, explained the Ministry’s role in supporting the elderly population. He emphasized that it is part the Ministry’s duties to ensure the welfare of older citizens and affirmed their commitment to assisting DoFA whenever needed.
The website developer provided a detailed presentation of the features and security measures of the newly launched website. Asmaa James was then invited to officially launch the website, www.dofa.org.sl. She commended CEO Doreen Barrie and the entire DoFA team for their dedicated service to the elderly. With pride and enthusiasm, she clicked the mouse to mark the website’s official launch.
The celebratory event concluded with a symbolic act of unity and gratitude as senior dignitaries joined together to cut a celebratory anniversary cake. It was a day filled with hope, compassion, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leone’s elderly population could live out their golden years with the dignity and care they rightfully deserve.
