Caritas Freetown Holds Three-Day Retreat to Review REAR Project and Strengthen Safeguarding Capacity
Caritas Freetown’s Emergency Response for Young People Affected by Kush Drug and Other Harmful Substances in the Western Area (REAR Project) has commenced a three-day staff retreat aimed at reviewing the project’s implementation, assessing its achievements and challenges, and strengthening the capacity of staff ahead of the next phase of the rehabilitation programme. The retreat, which began on Thursday, 30th July 2026 and will conclude on Saturday, 1st August 2026, is being held at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Javouhey House, Leicester. It provides an opportunity for project staff to reflect on the project’s interventions, identify lessons learned, and participate in a refresher training on safeguarding. Speaking during the retreat, REAR Project Manager, Murray Massaquoi, described the gathering as an important opportunity for the team to evaluate the project’s progress while preparing for the admission of a new group of beneficiaries into the rehabilitation centre. “This retreat allows us to reflect on our interventions, review what has worked well, identify the challenges we have encountered, and plan effectively for the next phase of the project,” he said. “Although our mission is to support survivors, we must also ensure that we, as service providers, are adequately prepared to meet their needs. The knowledge and experience we gain during this retreat will better position us to provide quality care and support to the beneficiaries who will be joining the rehabilitation programme next week.” Reflecting on the project’s achievements, Mr. Massaquoi noted that the programme has successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated 12 out of the first 16 beneficiaries into their communities. He added that the project team continues to conduct regular follow-up visits to monitor the progress and wellbeing of those who have completed the rehabilitation programme. He further attributed the success of the project to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the project staff, whose collective efforts have played a significant role in ensuring the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. Mr. Massaquoi also highlighted several important lessons learned throughout the implementation of the project, emphasizing that effective communication and strong teamwork have been essential to achieving positive outcomes. However, he acknowledged that the project has faced notable challenges, particularly the limited background verification of some beneficiaries and their families during the recruitment process. According to him, this created difficulties during the reintegration phase, making it more challenging for some beneficiaries to transition successfully back into society. As part of the retreat, Mr. Massaquoi facilitated a session on Case Management- stressing its importance in delivering comprehensive and survivor-centred rehabilitation services. He explained that Case Management encompasses the entire process of supporting beneficiaries, from the point of referral and admission through rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. He described Case Management as a structured, person-centred approach to service delivery that is guided by ethical practice and evidence-based interventions. He outlined the seven key steps in the Case Management process as: referral and intake, assessment, development of a care plan, implementation of plan such as skills acquisition, counselling, games therapy, and individual or group therapy, continuous monitoring and review of care plans, evaluation of outcomes, and case closure. Concluding the session, Mr. Massaquoi explained that a case may be closed for several reasons, including the successful completion of the intervention plan, lack of meaningful progress despite sustained interventions, or the death of a client. The retreat forms part of Caritas Freetown’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the quality of rehabilitation services provided through the REAR Project while ensuring that staff remain equipped with the knowledge, skills, and safeguarding practices necessary to effectively support young people recovering from Kush addiction and other harmful substance abuse.
Caritas Freetown Supports Child Survivors of SGBV with Educational Materials and Financial Assistance in Newton
On Friday, 31st July 2026, the Caritas Freetown Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Project team distributed educational materials and provided financial assistance for lunch expenses to child survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at St. Francis Secondary School, Newton, as part of its ongoing efforts to support vulnerable children and promote their continued access to education. The beneficiaries were identified in collaboration with the ten Sierra Leone Police Family Support Units (FSUs) partnering with the project. Through case records and referrals provided by the FSUs, twenty child survivors of SGBV were selected to receive educational support. Each beneficiary received essential school materials, including school bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, mathematical sets, and other learning materials. In addition, the children received a modest financial contribution to assist with lunch expenses, helping to reduce the financial burden on their parents and guardians while encouraging regular school attendance. The intervention forms part of the project’s broader commitment to protecting and empowering child survivors of SGBV. Children who have experienced abuse often face significant barriers to education, including trauma, stigma, discrimination, and financial hardship, all of which increase their risk of dropping out of school. By providing educational materials alongside financial support for daily school expenses, the SGBV project aims to create a more supportive environment that enables these children to remain in school, continue their education, and rebuild their confidence. Speaking during the distribution, project staff reaffirmed Caritas Freetown’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable children through practical interventions that promote education, protection, and social inclusion. The distribution underscores Caritas Freetown’s continued dedication to ensuring that no child is denied an education because of the consequences of abuse. Through strong collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Units and other stakeholders, the project continues to restore hope, strengthen child protection systems, and provide survivors with the support they need to pursue a brighter and more secure future.
Caritas Freetown Completes Four-Day Fire and Water Safety Training to Strengthen Community Disaster Preparedness
Caritas Freetown has successfully concluded a four-day Fire and Water Safety Training, supported by the CRS EMPOWER project, aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and enhancing emergency response capacities among community disaster responders in some of Freetown’s most vulnerable communities. The training, held from 5th to 8th August 2026 at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, brought together 45 participants, including 35 members of Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) from Culvert, Bottom Oku, Moa Wharf, Portee, Kingtom, Levuma, and Kissy Brook, alongside 10 Caritas Freetown staff. The training brought together technical expertise from the Freetown City Council (FCC), National Fire Force (NFF), Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS), National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs). Day One: Community Disaster Risk Mapping and PreparednessThe first day marked the official opening of the training. Participants were introduced to social memory of events, community hazard mapping, and vulnerability and risk mapping. The sessions were facilitated by the National Chairman of CDMCs, Mr. Bob Jones, using interactive discussions and group exercises. Participants actively engaged in discussions, shared experiences from their respective communities, and raised questions on disaster risks and preparedness. The facilitator emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among communities, government institutions, humanitarian organizations, and disaster management structures in strengthening community resilience. The coordination with the Freetown City Council and NDMA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting disaster risk reduction initiatives and stressed the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring effective emergency preparedness and response. Participants were encouraged to remain actively engaged throughout the training and apply the knowledge and skills gained within their communities. Day Two: Fire Prevention, Control and MitigationOn the second day, the Director and Commander of the National Fire Force, Dr. Bai Kamara, led sessions on fire prevention, control, and mitigation. He explained the different stages involved in fire rescue operations, key principles of fire control, and the five classes of fire, emphasizing the importance of understanding fire types in selecting appropriate prevention and response measures. Dr. Kamara also provided participants with emergency contact numbers for reporting fire incidents:• National Fire Force Headquarters, Circular Road: 300• Kissy Mess Mess: 301• Aberdeen: 302• Western Area Rural: 309Participants were encouraged to share these emergency contacts within their communities to facilitate timely reporting and response to fire incidents. The Safeguarding Officer of Caritas Freetown, Madam Grace Jones, also facilitated a session on safeguarding principles. She explained key safeguarding concepts and their application during community-based disaster preparedness and emergency response. Participants actively engaged in the session and raised questions to strengthen their understanding of safeguarding and protection responsibilities. Day Three: Disaster Response and First AidOn the third day, a representative of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, Mr Paul Kargbo, facilitated sessions on disasters and emergency response. Participants explored the meaning of disasters and examined different causes of disasters, including natural and human-induced hazards affecting communities. The session also focused on first aid, its importance during emergencies, and appropriate procedures for providing immediate assistance to people who are injured or affected during disasters. The practical discussions helped participants understand the importance of providing safe and timely assistance while waiting for professional emergency responders to arrive. Day Four: Practical Emergency Response SimulationThe fourth and final day focused on a practical emergency response simulation conducted in Kolleh Town. The field exercise provided participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the previous three days in a simulated emergency situation. During the simulation, participants demonstrated several key emergency response actions, including: The simulation enabled participants to translate theoretical knowledge into practical action and provided an opportunity for facilitators to observe participants’ ability to make decisions and coordinate during an emergency. In conclusion, the four-day Fire and Water Safety Training was highly interactive, informative, and practical. Participants actively engaged in technical sessions, group discussions, experience sharing, and practical exercises, culminating in a field-based emergency response simulation. The training strengthened the knowledge and practical skills of Community Disaster Management Committee members and enhanced their capacity to support disaster preparedness, early response, safe evacuation, first aid, and community-level emergency coordination. Caritas Freetown remains committed to working with communities, government institutions, humanitarian organizations, and other partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, build community resilience, and support communities to better prevent and respond to emergencies.
Tzu Chi Foundation and Partners Support Vulnerable Persons with Annual Rice and Multi-Grain Distribution
The Tzu Chi Foundation, in collaboration with Caritas Freetown, Lanyi Foundation, and Healey International Relief Foundation, has successfully concluded its annual rice and multi-grain distribution exercise, providing essential food assistance to more than 2,000 visually impaired and physically challenged persons and their families across the Western Area Urban and Rural Districts. The three-day humanitarian outreach, which commenced on 11th August and concluded on 13th August 2026, was aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and households experiencing economic hardship and challenges in meeting their daily nutritional needs. During the distribution exercise, the team visited several communities and institutions, including communities of visually impaired persons in Hamilton, Kossoh Town, Waterloo, and Central Freetown. Beneficiaries received bags of rice and multi-grains to help reduce household food insecurity and ease the financial pressure associated with purchasing essential food items. Speaking during the distribution exercise, Margaret Bassie, Representative of the Tzu Chi Foundation in Sierra Leone, encouraged beneficiaries to appreciate the generosity and kindness of the donors whose contributions made the intervention possible. She emphasized that acts of compassion and solidarity, including the annual rice and multi-grain distribution, demonstrate the importance of supporting vulnerable individuals and families, particularly those facing economic difficulties. Meanwhile, Mrs. Isatu Kamara, Secretary of the Visually Impaired Persons Association in Kossoh Town, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of beneficiaries and their families to the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners for their continued support. She noted that the donation had provided significant relief to many families experiencing financial difficulties and had enabled them to better manage their household needs. One of the beneficiaries, Abdul Sesay, also expressed gratitude for the assistance, explaining that the rice and multi-grain donation had reduced the financial pressure associated with purchasing food. He added that the money that would otherwise have been spent on rice could now be redirected towards other essential needs within his household. The annual distribution is part of the continued humanitarian commitment of the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners to supporting vulnerable communities through food assistance and promoting social inclusion. The collaboration demonstrates how coordinated humanitarian action can provide practical relief to families facing economic hardship while strengthening dignity and solidarity within communities. As the three-day exercise comes to an end, the support provided is expected to contribute to improved household food security among beneficiaries and offer much-needed relief to vulnerable families across the Western Area. The continued partnership between the Tzu Chi Foundation, Caritas Freetown, Lanyi Foundation, and Healey International Relief Foundation remains an important contribution to humanitarian assistance and the promotion of a more inclusive and supportive society in Sierra Leone.
Caritas Freetown and Partners Strengthen Community Mental Health Services Through Youth Readiness Intervention Training.
Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with Boston College, the Government of Sierra Leone, (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Youth Affairs with support from Being, has successfully trained Health Workers (CHWs), Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, and Youth Officers to deliver the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) across the districts of Port Loko, Bo, and Kenema. The 10-day training, held from 29 June to 10 July 2026 under the Elevate Project, brought together approximately 102 participants and equipped them with the knowledge, practical skills, and facilitation techniques required to deliver the evidence-based Youth Readiness Intervention within their respective communities. The training reflects a strong multi-sectoral partnership involving the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, each playing a distinct role in ensuring the successful implementation of the intervention. Community Health Workers and Mental Health Nurses from the Ministry of Health were trained to deliver the Youth Readiness Intervention directly to young people in their communities. Social Workers from the Ministry of Social Welfare received specialised training to provide psychosocial support and strengthen the protection and wellbeing of vulnerable young people throughout the intervention. Youth Officers from the Ministry of Youth Affairs were equipped to identify, mobilise, and provide ongoing support to eligible young people, ensuring that those most in need are effectively linked to the programme. This collaborative approach demonstrates the Government of Sierra Leone’s leadership and ownership of efforts to expand access to quality mental health services for young people through coordinated action across key government institutions and development partners. The Youth Readiness Intervention is designed to support young people aged 15 to 30 who have experienced adversity and are facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, sadness, emotional distress, aggression, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Through the intervention, trained facilitators help participants build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, improve problem-solving skills, and develop healthy coping strategies that enhance their overall wellbeing. The training formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based mental health and psychosocial support services by building the capacity of frontline professionals who work directly with vulnerable adolescents and young people across Sierra Leone. Throughout the training, participants took part in practical exercises, role plays, group discussions, and interactive learning sessions facilitated by experienced Youth Readiness Intervention trainers. These sessions focused on building participants’ confidence and competence to deliver the intervention while maintaining high standards of ethical practice, participant safety, and fidelity to the evidence-based model.The programme was delivered in three progressive phases. The first phase focused on creating safe and supportive environments for young people, strengthening emotional awareness, and promoting self-regulation. The second phase enhanced participants’ skills in effective communication, problem-solving, healthy relationship building, and interpersonal effectiveness. The final phase addressed substance use prevention and introduced practical approaches for supporting young people experiencing substance-related challenges.By the end of the training, participants demonstrated a strong understanding of the Youth Readiness Intervention model and expressed their commitment to applying their newly acquired skills to improve mental health outcomes for young people in their communities. One participant described the training as both practical and transformative: “This training has given us practical tools to better understand and support young people experiencing emotional and mental health challenges. We are now better prepared to guide them towards healthier coping strategies and improved wellbeing.” The successful completion of the training marks an important milestone in expanding access to quality, community-based mental health services across the three districts. It also reinforces the value of collaboration between government institutions, Caritas Freetown, Boston College, and development partners in delivering sustainable, evidence-based mental health services for young people. The Elevate Project’s Youth Readiness Intervention is implemented through a partnership between Boston College, Caritas Freetown, the Government of Sierra Leone, and other partners, with support from Being. Through the active participation of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Government continues to provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and community-level coordination, ensuring that the intervention is effectively integrated into existing systems and reaches young people who need it most. Being is an international mental health initiative that envisions a world where young people feel well and thrive. Hosted by Grand Challenges Canada, Being works alongside young people to improve mental health and wellbeing through research, innovation, and ecosystem building. The initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada, Fondation Botnar, and the United Kingdom’s Department of Health and Social Care through UK aid and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is delivered in partnership with the Science for Africa Foundation, Orygen, and United for Global Mental Health across 12 priority countries, including Sierra Leone.