In a remarkable demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Orange Sierra Leone on Friday, February 28, 2025, donated 100 durable tarpaulins to the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) through the Ministry of Social Welfare. The official handing-over ceremony took place at the Ministry’s conference room in New England, Freetown, and was attended by the Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, representatives from NCPD, officials from Orange Sierra Leone, and members of various disabled groups.
Delivering her opening remarks, Piloya Grace Nollah, Director of Hands-on Development and Social Transformation at NCPD, highlighted the dire need for shelter assistance among persons with disabilities. She recalled how, during the previous rainy season, her office received numerous complaints about leaky roofs and flooding in shelters housing persons with disabilities across the country. This prompted her to reach out to Orange Sierra Leone for support. She commended the company for its swift response and understanding of the plight of these vulnerable groups, emphasizing the impact of such initiatives on improving their living conditions.
Zainab Kamara, a representative of the Empowerment for Disabilities and Social Integration group, expressed profound gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for its consistent efforts in addressing the needs of marginalized communities. She underscored the significance of corporate entities like Orange Sierra Leone utilizing their resources and influence to drive positive societal change. Kamara noted that beyond the physical benefits of the tarpaulin donation, the gesture reflects a deep sense of empathy and solidarity with the disabled community.
Speaking at the event, Orange Sierra Leone’s General Secretary, Dannetta Younge, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). She stated that the donation aligns with one of Orange Sierra Leone’s core values—Care—alongside Responsibility and Boldness. Younge emphasized that the company’s CSR ambition is deeply rooted in its mission to support the communities in which it operates, positioning Orange as more than just an investor in Sierra Leone.
She further lauded the Ministry of Social Welfare’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and upholding the rights of persons living with disabilities. She assured that Orange Sierra Leone would continue to support meaningful initiatives that contribute to the well-being of disadvantaged groups across the country.
In her keynote address, the Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, expressed sincere appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for its continued support of social welfare initiatives. She noted that since her appointment, this was her first engagement with a mobile network operator (MNO) that had proactively undertaken a CSR project benefiting persons with disabilities. The Minister praised Orange Sierra Leone for its strong sense of responsibility and humanitarian commitment, describing the donation as a tangible demonstration of corporate goodwill and social impact.
The event concluded with a symbolic handing over of the tarpaulins to representatives of disabled groups, marking another milestone in Orange Sierra Leone’s mission to enhance social development and provide relief to vulnerable communities in the country.
