8th Annual Interfaith Dialogue Promotes Unity and Compassion
The 8th Annual Interfaith Dialogue, held on December 19, 2024, at Culture Radio in Freetown, united religious leaders and communities from diverse faiths to celebrate Sierra Leone’s legacy of religious tolerance. Organized by the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation in partnership with the Partnering to Serve Humanity Consortium, the event focused on the theme “Spiritual Growth, Compassion, and Peace Building.” Key speakers, including Archbishop Dr. Edward Tamba Charles, Sheik Abubakar Fomba-Swarray, and Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Mohamed Haji Kella, highlighted the importance of love, compassion, and unity in addressing societal challenges. A major act of kindness during the event saw 3,050 vulnerable individuals receiving 30 kilograms of rice each. Reflecting on the initiative’s growth, Ishmeal Alfred Charles of Caritas Freetown emphasized the role of interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and compassion. The event concluded with calls for continued tolerance and efforts to build a harmonious society, reaffirming the shared responsibility of all faiths to uplift the vulnerable.
Caritas Freetown Hosts Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
In observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with the Community of Practice and funded by Civil Peace Service Agiamondo, organized a Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Gender Justice on December 10, 2024, at Gateway Evangelical Church Hall in Jui. The event, themed “Time to Act,” brought together key stakeholders, service providers, and community leaders to address SGBV issues and promote gender justice. Eliza Sillah, one of the organizers, emphasized the need for a collective effort to end violence against women and girls, while Samuel Byrne, Chairman of the Community of Practice, stressed the importance of understanding and finding sustainable solutions. Tobias Grosse from Agiamondo shared alarming statistics, urging attendees to envision a world free from violence. Derick Peter, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, highlighted the need for victim rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Other speakers, including Rita K. Foday from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary School Education and Mohamed S. Kamara from the Legal Aid Board, stressed the importance of tackling violence in schools and ensuring justice for women and girls. The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborate in ending sexual and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.
Caritas Freetown Reflects on 2024 and Plans for 2025
On January 14, 2024, Caritas Freetown held a significant Day of Evaluation and Open Year Mass, providing an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year while setting the stage for the upcoming year. Guided by the sentiment that “an unexamined life is not worth living,” participants engaged in meaningful discussions about their community outreach and humanitarian initiatives from 2023. Celebrating their successes, they also acknowledged the hurdles they faced, emphasizing the importance of learning from these experiences. The gathering focused not only on reflection but also on envisioning a brighter future. Collaborative discussions led to the establishment of ambitious yet achievable goals for 2024, reinforcing Caritas Freetown’s commitment to uplifting and empowering communities. Gratitude was expressed for the unwavering support of partners and volunteers, which fuels their mission. Special thanks were given to Mr. Bull for his facilitation, which helped the team navigate their reflections effectively. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming initiatives and opportunities to get involved in making a positive impact in the lives of those they serve.