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Min. Kenyeh Barlay Affirms Govt’s Commitment to SDG Alignment with Big 5 Initiatives  

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Madam Kenyeh Barlay, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, on the 31st August, 2023 delivered the keynote address at the Sierra Leone Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Acceleration Roadmap consultation during an event that was held at the Sierra Bay Hotel in Freetown which was geared towards capturing stakeholders’ insights and expertise for the creation of a robust roadmap towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.

The one-day workshop saw participation from development partners, Government Ministries, private sector representatives, Civil Society Organizations and Local Councils. The goal was to enhance and finalize the draft SDGs Acceleration Roadmap, which aligns with the upcoming Successor National Development Plan 2024-2028.

Peter N. Sam-Kpakra, Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development (MoPED), expressed gratitude for the United Nations Country Team’s involvement and emphasized the importance of the consultation in advancing Sierra Leone’s progress.

Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, United Nations Resident Coordinator, welcomed attendees and highlighted the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit scheduled for September 18th-19th, 2023. The summit aims to reinvigorate efforts to achieve the SDGs globally and focus on ambitious political declarations, national commitments, and UN-led initiatives.

Dr. Ahonsi addressed the need for collective action due to the gradual progress of SDG implementation worldwide. He urged active participation to ensure Sierra Leone’s presence and contributions at the summit.

Minister Kenyeh Barlay acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and existing inequalities. She stressed the importance of resilient strategies to overcome such obstacles and maintain progress towards the SDGs further highlighting Sierra Leone’s commitment to aligning the SDGs with the Big 5 Game Changers initiatives of the 2023 Peoples Manifesto promises of H. E. President Julius Maada Bio, designed to promote national development priorities.

In her call to action, Madam Barlay invited representatives from various sectors to contribute their perspectives, enabling the creation of a practical and comprehensive SDGs path.

She emphasized that the workshop marked the beginning of a transformative journey towards a more equitable and prosperous Sierra Leone and the world.

“While we engage in discussions regarding Sierra Leone’s SDG Acceleration Roadmap, it is imperative that we factor in the necessity of robust strategies capable of enduring the aforementioned shocks, thus guaranteeing the uninterrupted advancement. Through the convergence of expertise spanning various sectors, we can confidently assert that the roadmap will effectively tackle pressing challenges and establish the bedrock for consistent, sustainable progress across a wide spectrum of developmental domains, steering us towards the envisioned future,” said Minister Barlay.

Hon. Musa Fofana, a Member of Parliament, commended the Ministry for the laudable move in coordinating State actors in the implementation of the SDGs in Sierra Leone. He highlighted Parliament’s role in the process and stated efforts employed by Parliament in providing oversight and expressed commitment to supporting the process.

Valnora Edwin, Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network-Sierra Leone Chapter, representing Civil Society Organizations, emphasized the vital role of Non-State actors in the SDGs process and called for increased collaboration.

Dr. Sheka Bangura, Director of Planning, Policy, and Research, provided an overview of the workshop’s objectives and the SDGs Acceleration Roadmap, encouraging attendees to participate actively in working groups.

As Sierra Leone strives to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, the consultation signifies a pivotal moment of collaboration and dedication towards a sustainable future.

Caritas Freetown & Brown University Wrap Up Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) Training

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) training program, jointly organized by Caritas Freetown in partnership with Brown University, and generously funded by the US-based National Institute for Mental Health, concluded on a high note with a grand closing ceremony. Running from August 21st to September 1st, 2023, the training culminated at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall on Syke Street, Freetown.

The primary goal of the YRI training was to equip educators with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for effectively implementing the YRI program within educational institutions. The YRI initiative centers on providing psychosocial and mental health support to young people, with a focus on raising awareness about the profound impact of psychosocial factors on mental well-being.

Reverend Father Peter Alpha Konteh, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all the participants for their unwavering dedication and commitment to enhancing the mental health and overall well-being of young individuals. He underscored the significance of fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where youth can flourish and reach their full potentials.

The Project Coordinator, Caritas Freetown, highlighted the transformative potential of the YRI program within the Secondary School System (SSS). She emphasized that the program aims to equip students with vital life skills, impart emotional management techniques, improve their interpersonal relationships and promote resilience. By prioritizing group cohesion and offering valuable tools for emotional well-being, the YRI in Schools Program strives to empower and bolster support for young people.

Unisa Jalloh, the Project Manager, disclosed that the training had successfully equipped teachers with the requisite skills to introduce the YRI as an extra-curricular activity in 40 schools across the Western Region. In the upcoming academic year, approximately 980 Sierra Leonean youths aged 14 to 24 are poised to benefit from the program. An additional ten schools will be incorporated into the YRI training once the final results from the ongoing project analysis are available.

He further explained that the expansion of this program within the educational system is geared towards addressing the growing mental health needs of Sierra Leonean youth and preparing them for significant life opportunities. The knowledge imparted to teachers will be passed on to selected pupils within their respective schools, ensuring the widespread dissemination of skills and knowledge.

Fatoma Momoh expressed her confidence in the YRI in Schools program and its potential to make a profound impact on the lives of the youth it serves. By concentrating on group cohesion, emotional regulation, effective communication, and interpersonal skills, this initiative aims to empower young individuals, making them resilient, self-assured, and well-prepared to confront the challenges of the contemporary world.

The closing ceremony not only marked the conclusion of an intensive training program but also the commencement of a new chapter in the lives of participating educators and, subsequently, the youth of Sierra Leone.

With the YRI program now firmly integrated into schools, there is hope that its positive influence will resonate throughout the education system, nurturing a generation of mentally resilient and emotionally strong individuals, ready to seize promising opportunities and make meaningful contributions to society.

DST Concludes Sensitization on the Rights of PwDs in Communities

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a commitment to raising awareness and fostering stakeholder engagement in support of the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and inclusive development within Sierra Leonean communities, the Dorothy Springer Trust (DST) concluded a successful One-Day Sensitization on the Rights of PwDs, with a particular focus on children and young individuals with disabilities. The sensitization event, which targeted three communities : Up Gun, Cline Town, and Culvert Communities was held on Monday, September 4, 2023.

The Program Manager for Dorothy Springer Trust, Sheku Kabba, emphasized that globally PWDs face a myriad of challenges, including exclusion, discrimination, limited access to healthcare, education, employment, and various other pressing social issues. Citing Sierra statistics derived in Sierra Leone, he revealed that approximately 93,129 individuals, constituting 1.3% of the population, live with disabilities in the country, each grappling with daily challenges.

The primary objectives of the one-day sensitization program were to bolster stakeholders’ commitment to creating inclusive environments for PWDs within their communities, advocate for policies accommodating PWDs and enhancing their livelihoods, and promote awareness and commitment to equal opportunities for this segment of the population.

Kabba reported that the sensitization event succeeded in increasing awareness and stakeholders’ commitment towards providing equal opportunities for PWDs. Additionally, it helped establish a network of organizations and individuals dedicated to disability inclusion and action plans to drive progress in this area.

In conclusion, Kabba stressed the critical role of the one-day sensitization in altering perceptions surrounding PWDs, reducing discrimination and exclusion, and creating inclusive work environments with equal opportunities for all, adding that the program has provided a tangible platform for driving progress in disability inclusion within the community and Sierra Leone as a whole.

Community stakeholders, like Osman Bangura from Culvert Community, commended Dorothy Springer Trust for the laudable sensitization initiative. Bangura recognized the importance of community awareness regarding the necessity for accessible facilities and services for PWDs, which can prompt local authorities to make essential improvements. He pledged, as community stakeholders, to advocate for the upholding of the rights of PWDs within their communities.

Fatmata Kamara, a resident of Up Gun Community, expressed her appreciation for Dorothy Springer Trust’s sensitization drive. She highlighted the significance of such sensitization in building inclusive, equitable, and compassionate societies where individuals, regardless of their abilities, can lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Kamara vowed to become an ambassador for promoting the rights of PWDs within her community, inspired by the sensitization drive.

In summary, DST’s One-Day Sensitization on the Rights of PwDs has made significant strides towards fostering understanding, empathy, and commitment to the inclusion and well-being of PWDs in Sierra Leonean communities. This initiative marks a crucial step in building a more inclusive society, recognizing the value and potential of every individual.

WAWGE-SL to Host Adolescent Girls Health Summit

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In an exciting development, the West Africa Women and Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone (WAWGE-SL) is set to host the Girls Health Summit under the theme, “Breaking the Barriers on Adolescent Girls’ Health.”This announcement was made during a well-attended press conference held on Tuesday 5th September, 2023 at its Office on Skye Street in Freetown.

Addressing pressmen, the Program Director of West Africa Women and Girls Empowerment-Sierra Leone, Mariama Janneh started by giving a brief background about the organization of which she said the organization was founded on April 21, 2012 as a national Non-Governmental humanitarian organization dedicated to reducing poverty through entrepreneurship solutions, improving rural livelihoods and advocating for gender equality.

She said that their focus spans various crucial areas, including mental health awareness, girl-child education, sexual and reproductive health with a special emphasis on HIV/AIDS, agro-business, drug abuse, domestic violence, climate change, water and sanitation.

Commenting on the mission of the Summit, the Program Director noted that adolescent girls in Sierra Leone confront a range of challenges affecting their health and well-being and these challenges encompass physical health, mental health, access to education and the ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.

She revealed that a primary focus of the summit is addressing the lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, imagining a young girl in a remote village with limited access to accurate information about her changing body, reproductive health, and the importance of safe practices, furthering that the knowledge gap can lead to early pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections.

“WAWGE-SL is excited to announce the Adolescent Girls Health Summit, scheduled for October 10th, 2023, at the Freetown City Auditorium in Sierra Leone. This summit aims to empower young girls by addressing the unique health challenges they face during adolescence. Under the theme “Break Barriers on Adolescent Girls Health,” the event will serve as a platform for dialogue, education, and action,” she maintained.

Mariama Janneh informed all that esteemed speakers, renowned experts, and advocates in the field of adolescent and young women’s health will participate, offering valuable insights through panel discussions, mentorship sessions, workshops, and interactive activities.

She noted that they are thrilled to organize this much-needed summit to shed light on the critical health issues faced by adolescent girls and young women, stating that by addressing the barriers that hinder their access to proper healthcare and by equipping them with knowledge and resources, they aim to pave the way for a brighter future.

The Program Director said that the summit will also provide a platform for stakeholders, including Government representatives, NGOs, healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders, to unite and collaborate in developing practical strategies to enhance girls’ health. Additionally, it will offer networking opportunities for attendees to connect, exchange ideas and form partnerships.

She said that Awards will be presented to Girls Champions and exhibitions will showcase innovative initiatives and projects promoting adolescent girls’ health.

“WAWGE-SL remains dedicated to advancing gender equality, empowerment, and holistic development among women and girls in Sierra Leone. Through our initiatives, we have become a leading advocate for girls’ rights and well-being,” Mariama Janneh concluded.

MoWSuD-SL Empowers Women in Kabala to Break Down Barriers for Sustainable Development

The Moving Women for Sustainable Development Sierra Leone (MoWSuD-SL) has on Thursday, August 31, 2023 hosted a transformative training program for women in Kabala, Koinadugu District, Northern Province of Sierra Leone in a significant step towards gender equality and sustainable development.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Moving Women for Sustainable Development Sierra Leone, Mariama Khai Fornah, passionately articulated their mission to combat gender-based violence, provide psychological healthcare services for victims, promote sustainable agriculture, offer civic education, engage with traditional leaders to eradicate female genital mutilation and dismantle societal barriers against women.

She said that MoWSuD-SL envisions a society where women enjoy equal opportunities, access to resources and active participation in sustainable development. Their mission revolves around empowering women through education, capacity building, and advocacy, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities, adding that the organization’s core values encompass Equality, Empowerment, Collaboration, Integrity and Sustainability.

Mariama Khai Fornah emphasized the organization’s commitment to realizing a society where women are empowered and actively involved in sustainable development. Their strategic plan aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of women and the communities they serve.

She pointed out that the decision to establish a branch in Kabala was motivated by the pressing challenges faced by women in Koinadugu concerning gender inequality. MoWSuD-SL aspires to be at the forefront of efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate these disparities.

During the training session, led by Pastor Benson Okechukwu Onyia, participants delved into the theme of “Dismantling Mental Barriers Against Women’s Development.” Pastor Benson initiated the discussion with a thought-provoking quote from former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, highlighting the regressive views some still hold about women’s roles. He encouraged the women to take proactive steps towards achieving gender equality, with MoWSuD-SL poised to support their efforts.

Sylvanous Conteh, the Assistant Director of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and Manager of the One-Stop Centre in Koinadugu District, stressed the importance of shifting societal mindsets regarding women. He emphasized that this shift is crucial in the context of prevailing norms, cultural practices, and traditions, for achieving gender equality in Sierra Leone. He also highlighted some of the Government’s initiatives to empower women.

In addition to these voices of support, Wilson Salia Koroma, the Assistant Director at the Ministry of Social Welfare, lauded the efforts of MoWSuD-SL’s CEO in extending their outreach to the women of Koinadugu.

He underscored the great importance of such training and expressed the Ministry’s willingness to collaborate with MoWSuD-SL. Wilson Koroma stated that the Ministry is open to providing guidance on the organization’s areas of operation within the district to avoid duplication of efforts, as other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are already engaged in various initiatives within Koinadugu District.

Marlyn Bangura, one of the trainees, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to CEO Mariama Khai Fornah for spearheading this initiative. She pledged her commitment to applying the knowledge gained during the training and serving as an ambassador in her community to further MoWSuD-SL’s goals in Koinadugu.

MoWSuD-SL’s dedication to empowering women and eradicating gender-based disparities shines as a beacon of hope for women in Kabala and beyond. As Sierra Leone continues to strive for gender equality, this initiative serves as a testament to the power of education, advocacy, and community engagement in fostering sustainable development.

Pres. Bio Promises to Mirror Kenya’s Homegrown Climate Initiative

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During the launch of Kenya’s Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program at the ongoing Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, on the 4th September, 2023, President Bio delivered an address in which he extended his congratulations to the Kenyan Government for its innovative homegrown initiative and expressed his intent to replicate it in Sierra Leone.

“I wish to congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Ruto, for successfully launching this innovative initiative-a great example of a homegrown solution to a homegrown problem,” President Bio stated during his speech. He emphasized the importance of addressing climate impacts at the local level, as these impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.

President Bio expressed his commitment to implementing the FLLoCA initiative in Sierra Leone, specifically targeting the country’s 446 wards. He also expressed interest in establishing bilateral, South-South Cooperation with Kenya to conduct assessments and formulate a similar program in Sierra Leone further highlighting the potential for such cooperation to expedite the development of bankable projects and attract private investment.

Additionally, President Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change, noting that it ranks among the 20 most vulnerable countries to its effects. He cited various climate-related challenges such as storm surges, flash floods, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increased prevalence of pests and diseases. The President emphasized the need for immediate action to protect valuable ecosystems and communities’ livelihoods.

Sierra Leone is actively working on a coordination and reporting mechanism for all climate-related activities and projects across Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. This mechanism aims to facilitate and coordinate the country’s climate change programs and projects in alignment with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

President Bio concluded by highlighting the significant achievements in raising climate awareness, building technical and institutional capacities, and integrating adaptation concerns into national development dialogues through a consultative and bottom-up approach.

The Africa Climate Summit, hosted by President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, emphasized the potential for Africa to play a crucial role in the global de-carbonization effort. President Ruto noted that trillions of dollars were seeking “green investment opportunities,” and Africa had the resources and untapped potential to lead in climate-resilient economic growth and job creation.

He underscored the importance of developing climate-proof avenues for growth and job creation, positioning Africa as an essential player in the global economy while achieving shared prosperity.

ADORE Project Validates & Develops Monitoring Tools

The European Union-funded Agribusiness Development from Organic Resources (ADORE) Project implemented by Welthungerhilfe Sierra Leone has concluded a two-day Validation and Development of Performance Monitoring Tools at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) on Wednesday 19th July 2023.

The programme was held at the Planning, Evaluation, Monitoring, Statistics Division (PEMSD) Section with representatives from the Produce Monitoring Board (PMB) forming part of participants.

With support from WHH, the exercise was geared towards strengthening the collection and harmonization of agricultural data in the country.

Speaking on the objectives of the two-day Programme, Assistant Director of MAFS, Umaru Mohamed Sankoh stated that the intervention is timely as they have been yearning for this opportunity.

“We have now established a Technical Working Group through the close collaboration with the PMB to revitalize agricultural data. This workshop has resulted in carving a solid roadmap which will be the basis for future operations,” Mr. Sankoh explained.

Mustapha Nyallay, the Director of PEMSD thanked all participants for allotting time towards the exercise. He expressed thanks to WHH for its positive intervention in the cocoa sector in Sierra Leone to actualize food security in the country.

Mustapha Sheriff, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer of WHH ADORE Project stated that the essence of the meeting is to look at the draft report on the cocoa sector including the analysis on the performance monitoring instruments and adoption of recommendations.

Sheriff maintained that WHH is not out to impose a new system on MAFS and PMB but to consolidate information at a given time.

Sahr Thorlie, the Assistant Chief Agriculture Officer of MAFS in his statement encouraged the M&E Officers of MAFS to put premium on data collection on specific products in the coca value chain.

“Looking at the relevance of data to this Ministry, it is necessary we put structures and measures in place for continuity and how we can build on these existing structures,” he stated.

John Kamara, the Director of Crops in the MAFS stated that the Report done by the Consultant should capture the roles of agricultural NGOs in the sector.

“The setting up of an Information Repository and access to it should also be considered as the Ministry places so much importance on information,” Kamara said.

Osman Alpha Kamara of the Produce Monitoring Board (PMB) explained the various procedures in exporting cocoa to other countries. He noted the numerous challenges faced by local farmers and PMB in data collection as they are understaffed across the country.

Abdul Kadir Turay, the Quality Control Manager of PMB expressed thanks to WHH for creating the timely platform for close collaboration between the two institutions.

“This will help us synchronize agricultural data from production on to marketing and provide a clear roadmap for action points in achieving the set goals,” Turay stated.

The two-day meeting was concluded with Action Points agreed on by PMB and MAFS in further strengthening agricultural data collection and providing field training for local farmers and other players in the sector to boost productivity.

WHH Holds Organic Agriculture Workshop at Tiwai Island

Lecturers of Njala University and WHH ADORE project officials pose for a group photo at Tiwai Island
Lecturers of Njala University and WHH ADORE project officials pose for a group photo at Tiwai Island

The Agri-Business Development from Organic Resources (ADORE) Project implemented by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by the European Union (EU) under the Boosting Agriculture and Food Security (BAFS) portfolio has on Friday 4th August 2023 concluded a three-day workshop at Tiwai Island to develop course modules on Organic Agriculture and Certification.

The effort is geared towards the introduction of undergraduate certificate and Diploma courses on Organic Agriculture which is a first in Sierra Leone. Njala University is spearheading the curriculum development with support from WHH under the ADORE Project.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop at Tiwai Island, Dr. Sheku Alfred Kanu, a Lecturer in the Crop Science Department at Njala University and focal person between the two institutions, stated that the workshop is geared towards ensuring the course contents are in line with the requirements of the Ministry of Tertiary Education.

“Another objective is to explore the roadmap to extending the organic agriculture Programme to Bachelor of Science and online Master of Science,” Dr. Kanu went to explain; adding that after all of this is done, the Senate of the University would review and then approved the commencement of the program.

He thanked WHH for the support which he noted would put the University on the map, as they look forward to further collaboration in different academic areas.

Dr. Kumba Yannah Karim-Koroma, a Plant Breeder and Lecturer in the Crop Science Department (School of Agriculture and Food Sciences) of Njala University said that developing the curriculum is very significant and a novelty in the Mano River Basin.

She disclosed that the University has already advertised the courses in this academic year while encouraging more students to enroll to be qualifie3d in the area of organic agriculture and certification. Dr. Koroma also appreciated the support of WHH Sierra Leone in ensuring the program becomes a reality.

The Advocacy and Policy Officer of WHH ADORE Project, Fred John Banya emphasized the need for the University to roll out these courses as organic agriculture is lucrative, safe and minimize health issues with production of various foodstuff using organic approaches and methods of agriculture.

“Supporting this venture is a great achievement on the part of WHH Sierra Leone as we are proud to be throwing our weight behind a worthy cause,” Fred Banya stated.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of ADORE Project, Mustapha Sheriff, explained that developing a detailed curriculum on organic agriculture and certification is key to building the human resources base needed in Sierra Leone.

He went on to state that as a new sphere of study in the country, students must take advantage of the opportunity as it would be profitable soon.

After the end of the workshop, Mustapha noted that the sessions of had been very interactive, and that the introduction of the courses will enhance the development of organic agriculture in Sierra Leone.

Dr. Momodu Sahid Kanu, Head of Department of Agribusiness Management and Deputy Director of the Centre for Pedagogical Excellence at Njala University said that he is excited to be part of this exercise as this “will eventually boost the economic earnings of the country in the long term.”

The introduction of organic agriculture, he noted, will improve the skills of the farmers in management and farming.

Dr. Kanu thanked WHH for the support toward actualizing the introduction of the undergraduate courses at the University.

Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Food Technology, Nutrition and Consumer Studies (School of Agriculture and Food Sciences) at Njala University – Dr. Tamba S. Sonda stated that they are fully committed to completing the task of developing the curriculum which he noted, will open a whole phase in the country’s push for agricultural transformation.

Sierra is known to be practicing organic agriculture by default but this ongoing effort by WHH under the ADORE Project is to ensure the country pushes forward with organic agriculture by design with the rolling out of the undergraduate courses at Njala University.

WHH Celebrates World Environment Day

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has celebrated World Environment Day on Monday 5th June 2023 at the Bo Shopping City Plaza.

The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Beat Plastic Pollution” and attracted officials from the Ministry of Local Government, City Councils from Koidu, Bo, Kenema and Makeni, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Health and Sanitation among others.

Delivering the keynote address, Santigie Kamanda Kanu, the Deputy Country Director of WHH stated that the celebration is very important, and his organization prioritizes issues concerning the environment.

“This day is very big for us as we have components working on various interventions issues like solid and liquid waste management, agriculture, food, nutrition and sanitation,” Santigie said.

He noted that WHH is collaborating with other partners and Government institutions like the local councils in finding solutions to the increasing challenge of plastic waste.

“We believe that coming together with other partners we can beat plastic pollution in the country. Other countries are already addressing the challenge and it is urgent that Sierra Leone does the same before it is too late,”

The Director of Local Government, Brima Newman Combay noted that issues bordering on the environment are close to the heart of his Ministry and working with WHH is paramount in addressing environmental issues.

“Waste management is a huge challenge in the country especially plastic waste which is seen everywhere,” Combay stated; adding that the Government is determined to address the issue with the increasing support to local councils on waste management and donation of garbage trucks compactors.

Francis Tiffa, the Chief Administrator of the Koidu New Sembehun City Council (KNSCC) in his statement thanked WHH for the continued support towards managing the municipality’s waste in addition to providing needed infrastructure for same.

“Without WHH, the Council would have struggled to manage the waste in Koidu City. Over the years, they have helped us a lot by constructing a Waste Management Department (WMD), Landfill Site with a garage and weighbridge in addition to other facilities,” Tiffa explained.

He went to state that if Koidu is considered one of the cleanest cities in Sierra Leone, it is because of the support of WHH since 2019.

Thomas Foray, the Deputy Head of WHH Waste Management Project said that the organization prioritizes plastic waste management hence the reason the project is supporting Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in all four project locations of Koidu, Kenema, Bo and Makeni Cities.

He emphasized that WHH cannot achieve the objectives of managing waste in the country without the support of the Government and relevant partners.

“WHH will continue to support efforts aimed at tackling waste in Sierra Leones especially the local city councils we are working with,” Thomas Foray committed.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually as set aside by the United Nations to shine a light on the ongoing challenges faced by the environment as a result of man’s activities.

OFP Wraps Up Dialogue on Disability-Inclusive Social Protection Programmes

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their effort towards deepening their understanding of the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities in accessing social protection services and to explore innovative solutions to bridge the existing gaps in the country, One Family People, has on Tuesday 22nd August, 2023 wrapped up a one-day national dialogue between Social Protection stakeholders and selected organizations of Person with Disabilities on disability inclusion on Social Protection Programmes. The event, which took place at the Peace Museum on New England Ville in Freetown, brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, disability rights organizations, civil society groups, and academic institutions.

Samuel P.O.V Macauley, the Program Manager of One Family People, extended his gratitude to the diverse group of stakeholders present. He emphasized the importance of the dialogue in exploring innovative solutions to bridge existing gaps in social protection for individuals with disabilities.

He stressed that it is crucial to ensure that social protection programs are designed inclusively, leaving no one behind, especially persons with disabilities who often face discrimination and marginalization.

While acknowledging Sierra Leone’s progress in advancing disability rights and inclusion, Macauley highlighted the continued need for work to ensure equal access to social protection programs and services for all individuals with disabilities. He noted that the dialogue will serve as a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and ideas to inform the development of inclusive social protection policies and strategies in Sierra Leone.

Macauley urged all participants to collaborate in identifying practical solutions, fostering partnerships and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities in Sierra Leone. He commended attendees for their commitment to disability rights and their contributions to promoting inclusive social protection in the country.

He noted that the successful conclusion of this national dialogue represents a step forward in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and ensuring their full participation in social protection programs in the country.

The Programmes Manager, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Tamba S.P Mondeh said social protection is a set of policies or programs set up by Government to cushion hardship on vulnerable groups.

He said one major social protection program in the country is the Emergency Cash Transfer for vulnerable families in Sierra Leone managed by the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), with support from World Bank and UNICEF.

Tamba S.P Mondeh commended the Government of Sierra Leone through the National Commission for Social Action for the National Social Safety Net Programme for vulnerable families which he said has benefited over 35,000 persons with disabilities in the country.

He, however, stated that although not all persons with disabilities benefited from the program owing to the fact that the number of persons with disabilities in the country is more than compared to the number who benefited. Tamba called on the Government to scale up the program in order to see how more persons with disabilities can benefit from it.

The Programmes Manager concluded by commending One Family People for the one-day national dialogue which was geared towards enhancing their understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing social protection services in the country.

The Disaster Preparedness Officer at the National Commission for Social Action, Duraman Conateh, underscored some of the intervention by the Commission towards addressing social protection in the country. These interventions, he said, include the National Social Safety Net Programme for vulnerable families of which he stated that persons with disabilities were key throughout the program.

He said that the National Social Safety Net Programme benefited 592,800 vulnerable people of which beneficiaries included persons with disabilities.

Duraman Conateh informed the gathering that the National Commission for Social Action developed a policy and a strategy on social protection, stating that with support from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security the bill on social protection has already been drafted.

“Persons with disabilities are at the centre of our implementations, we have never done any implementation without giving them a particular quota. Recently in our COVID-19 Social Net Programme persons with disabilities benefited significantly,” he revealed.

The Senior Social Protection Specialist, World Bank, Dr. Abu Kargbo said Persons with Disabilities face barriers in the labour market, stating that depriving persons with disabilities in participating in the labour market increases the country’s expenditure on the GDP with an estimation of 3-7 percent, furthering that there is pressure on organizations and families to take care of persons with disabilities.

He said UNICEF in a 2021 study cautioned that failure to address disability inclusion in development will result in redevelopment expenditure.

Dr. Abu Kargbo, however, stated that disable persons know no social or economic boundaries of which he called on stakeholders to ensure that in all programmes, including policies and projects, disability inclusiveness becomes the key element.

He informed the gathering that the World Bank is committed towards addressing disability inclusiveness through investment, research, learning and collaboration with stakeholders worldwide.

Dr. Abu Kargbo further stated that the World Bank has taken several steps which include the development of the disability inclusive and accountability framework and initiated the International Development Association etc.

He said that the World Bank is working with the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure that disability inclusiveness is achieved, disclosing that the World Bank investment in the country is 1 billion Dollars and in all of their programs the issue of disability inclusion becomes very prominent and they have been encouraging their partners to ensure that they give priority to Persons with Disabilities.

The Senior Social Protection Specialist commended One Family People for the one-day national dialogue aimed at enhancing their understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing social protection services in the country.

Other stakeholders, including the Program Director for Enable the Children Program at World Hope International, Anna Vines, the Senior Social Services Officer, Ministry of Social Welfare, Morlu Kanneh etc. also made statements.

The dialogue featured sessions and a panel discussion on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing social protection services in the country.

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