Caritas Freetown Celebrates the Graduation Ceremony and Distribution of Start-up Kits for young women and girls at the WAADO training centre
On Wednesday 20 March, we celebrated a highly esteemed occasion at Waterloo District Hall. Sponsored by Caritas Freetown, Mano Unidas and managed by WAADO, a community-based advocacy group that seeks to empower vulnerable groups such as youth, women, girls, street children, orphans, and the rural poor in the Waterloo community. We commemorated 25 female students with experience of SGBV and GBV-related matters, inhibiting their personal and educational development. Based in the Rural Urban District Waterloo, the students recently graduated from their skills training programme in Catering and Seamstress work – as a testament to their hard work Caritas Freetown has supplied the students with Start-Up kits to invigorate entrepreneurship and independence through their craftmanship. So far, this one-year project has positively impacted over 20 communities transforming and enhancing the lives of women and girls in vulnerable communities. Director of WAADO Doris Fatima Webber emphasised the importance of women’s entrepreneurship in women and girls in Sierra Leone she expressed, “This programme has been very impactful, as an advocacy group, we have rehabilitated women and girls to be modern ambassadors, for those vulnerable to attain essential skills to sustain themselves.” We received a testimonial from a Catering Graduate from the programme Mary K. Bangura who had an extensive journey reaching this point she expressed her gratitude for the transformational impact this project has had on her she stated “Before this programme, I was just passing the streets relying on men and my family to provide for me, I’m so thankful for Caritas for this opportunity, with this experience, I am going to use these skills to educate other girls to make an impact.” Here at Caritas Freetown, we celebrated International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Invest in Women Accelerate Progress’ not only on the 8 March but for the entire duration of the month, we as an organisation must raise awareness of these current issues that women and girls are facing in our society today and how we can combat these issues through the power of collaboration and cohesiveness with other organisation groups. Together, we can ensure that women and girls can build a better nation by equipping them with relevant knowledge and skills so that we can see a brighter tomorrow for our future leaders and changemakers.
Fr. Peter Konteh Advocates for Action Against Rising Drug Addiction Among Youth on Caritas Sunday
Serious Times Call for Serious Measures: Sierra Leoneans Urged to Unite in Face of Kush Crisis”No Laughing Matter:Putting Politics Aside: Sierra Leone Urged to Address Kush Crisis with Unity and Resolve” Fr. Peter Konteh Advocates for Action Against Rising Drug Addiction Among Youth on Caritas Sunday In a poignant address marking Caritas Sunday, Fr. Peter Konteh, the esteemed Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, delivered a heartfelt message calling for urgent action to address the alarming surge of drug addiction among the youth in our community. Against the backdrop of escalating concerns over the prevalence of dangerous substances like Kush, Fr. Konteh emphasized the critical need for collective efforts to combat this pressing issue and provide vital support to those affected. Speaking with compassion and unwavering commitment, Fr. Konteh underscored the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the unfortunate reality of many young individuals falling prey to the vicious cycle of addiction due to a myriad of underlying factors. He stressed the importance of approaching the issue with empathy and understanding, steering the narrative away from judgment towards a narrative of support and empowerment for those struggling with substance abuse. “As we gather on this solemn occasion of Caritas Sunday, we must confront the harsh realities faced by our youth, many of whom have become ensnared in the grip of addiction,” remarked Fr. Konteh. “We must stand together as a community, extending a hand of compassion and solidarity to those in need, and working tirelessly to address the root causes that perpetuate the cycle of substance abuse.” Fr. Konteh highlighted the multifaceted challenges driving the surge of drug addiction among the youth, including socioeconomic disparities, peer pressure, trauma, and stress. High levels of poverty, limited opportunities for advancement, and the influence of peer groups can push vulnerable youth towards seeking solace in dangerous substances as a coping mechanism, perpetuating a cycle of dependency that hampers their well-being and potential for a bright future. Moreover, the trauma inflicted by conflicts, violence, and adverse experiences further compounds the vulnerability of young individuals, making them susceptible to the allure of drugs as a temporary escape from their harsh realities. Fr. Konteh urged for a comprehensive approach that delves into the root causes of addiction, including addressing the supply chain that facilitates the proliferation of harmful substances within our communities. “In the spirit of Caritas, let us embrace a culture of compassion, resilience, and empowerment as we stand in solidarity with those affected by addiction,” Fr. Konteh passionately urged. “Together, we can forge a path towards recovery, healing, and a renewed sense of hope for our youth, guiding them towards a brighter, drug-free future.” As the community marks Caritas Sunday, Fr. Peter Konteh’s message serves as a poignant call to action, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect and nurture the well-being of our youth, and to create a society founded on principles of compassion, support, and unity in the face of adversity. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, we can pave the way for a healthier, more resilient community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential.