Caritas Freetown Intensifies Flood Prevention with Three-Day Community & Main Street Cleaning Exercise
Caritas Freetown has strengthened efforts to reduce flood risks in vulnerable communities through a three-day community and main street cleaning exercise across selected areas in the Western Area. The exercise, which ran from September 17 to 20, 2026, with September 18 excluded, formed part of Caritas Freetown’s project, “Strengthening Community Flood Preparedness and Early Humanitarian Response for Vulnerable Communities and Households in Western Area Urban and Rural Districts,” funded by CAFOD. The project is being implemented in eight flood-prone communities, including Culvert, Portee, Kroo Bay and Gray Bush in the Western Area Urban District, as well as Goderich-Crab Town, Levuma, Waterloo Bofla and Grafton in the Western Area Rural District. As part of the exercise, main street cleaning targeting clogged drainages was also conducted in several areas. In the Western Area Rural District, the exercise covered Bassa Town, Campbell Town, Jui and Regent, while in the Western Area Urban District, cleaning was carried out along Wilberforce Street, Priscilla Street, Gabriel Street and the Salad Ground Market. According to, Alimatu Turay, Project Officer at Caritas Freetown, a needs assessment conducted in disaster-prone communities identified blocked drainage as one of the factors contributing to flooding. She said the cleaning exercise forms part of Caritas’ broader effort to promote preparedness rather than waiting to respond after disasters occur. “We’re doing this as a preparedness mechanism and not always reacting to disaster,” Alimatu Turay said. She added that Caritas, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and Freetown City Council, has also trained Community Disaster Management Committees on disaster preparedness and response. Alimatu Turay stated that indiscriminate waste disposal is a major challenge and said the exercise was also intended to sensitize residents about the link between proper waste management and flood prevention. “Indiscriminate waste disposal poses a risk to our communities. People should understand that a healthy environment is a safe environment,” she said. Gabriel John Hallowel, Deputy Disaster Officer at Freetown City Council, said community ownership of the cleaning exercise was important because residents are often among those most affected when flooding occurs. He said the support provided by Caritas was significant to the council’s flood mitigation efforts, particularly before and during the rainy season. Gabriel John Hallowel also highlighted other interventions aimed at improving waste management, noting that Catholic Relief Services (CRS) had supported the Council with tricycles to help some communities remove household waste. He called for continued collaboration between the Council, Non-Governmental Organisations and communities to address waste management and flood risks. “Beyond this exercise, we look forward to more coordination with other NGOs with similar initiatives and expect communities to take responsibility of waste management within their household and the community,” Gabriel John Hallowel said. Meanwhile, Rachael Dumbuya, a Community Disaster Management Committee volunteer in Grafton said the cleaning exercise had contributed to reducing the community’s flood risk but called for additional support. She said Grafton remains vulnerable and requires continued interventions, particularly to improve its drainage system. Rachael Dumbuya suggested the use of machinery to clear and deepen some drainage to reduce water overflow, which she said sometimes contributes to flooding. She also called for stronger community bylaws to discourage indiscriminate waste disposal and urged the police to support their enforcement. Rachael Dumbuya further raised concerns about the construction of structures in waterways, saying such activities are worsening the community’s vulnerability to flooding. The cleaning exercise was part of Caritas Freetown’s broader efforts to strengthen community preparedness, promote environmental cleanliness and minimize the risk and impact of flooding before disasters occur.
Fundación MAGA Visits Caritas Freetown-Supported Projects in Sierra Leone
Caritas Freetown has welcomed representatives of Fundación MAGA from Spain during a visit to projects supported by the organisation, including the Casa Leone Hospitality Training Centre in Bureh Town and the Caritas Freetown Soup Kitchen Initiative. The visit provided an opportunity for the Fundación MAGA delegation to engage with Caritas Freetown and observe the impact of the initiatives they support, particularly in empowering young people through skills development. Speaking during the visit, Javier Muriel of Fundación MAGA described Casa Leone as a long-term project aimed at developing hospitality education in Sierra Leone. Muriel explained that Fundación MAGA believes education is the first step towards changing the world, adding that hospitality education is one of the areas through which meaningful change can be achieved. “Casa Leone is a long-term project, and we believe in giving access to those who need it and providing professional education to young people in vulnerable situations. This can be life-changing for them,” Muriel stated. The Casa Leone Hospitality Training Centre provides young people with access to professional and practical training in hospitality, equipping them with skills that can improve their employment prospects and create pathways towards sustainable livelihoods. Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, thanked the Fundación MAGA delegates for their continued contribution towards Casa Leone and their support for initiatives addressing the needs of vulnerable people. He highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities for young people and supporting communities facing social and economic challenges. As a gesture of appreciation, Rev. Fr. Konteh presented the visiting delegates with a token of appreciation on behalf of Caritas Freetown. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Caritas Freetown and Fundación MAGA to investing in people through education, skills development and humanitarian assistance. Through the continued partnership, Casa Leone remains an important platform for empowering young people with professional skills and helping them build more sustainable futures.
Caritas Freetown Launches Community Flood Preparedness Project and Strengthens Capacity of 80 CDMC Members through Two-Day Training.
Caritas Freetown successfully launched the 45-day flood preparedness and early humanitarian response project, “Strengthening Community Flood Preparedness and Early Humanitarian Response for Vulnerable Communities and Households in Western Area Urban and Rural Districts, Sierra Leone,” on 8 September 2026 in Kingtom Edwards Compound Hall. The launch brought together representatives from key government institutions, humanitarian partners, community disaster management structures, Caritas Freetown leadership, and other relevant stakeholders. All invited guests and stakeholder representatives from the Freetown City Council (FCC), National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet), National Fire Force, Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, Caritas National, Western Rural District Council and CAFOD were in attendance and delivered statements in support of the project. Their contributions highlighted the importance of strengthening community preparedness, improving coordination, promoting early action, reducing flood risks, and strengthening collaboration between communities, government institutions, and humanitarian actors. The project was officially launched jointly by the Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency, Mr. Vandi Rogers; the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh; and the CAFOD Country Representative, Mr. Mitchel Mondengele. Their participation demonstrated strong institutional and partner commitment to the successful implementation of the intervention. During the launch, Caritas Freetown presented an overview of the project, including its objectives, target communities, key interventions including the community preparedness targeting, household preparedness targeting for 40 households through in-kind support, and clearing of main drainages leading to informal settlements, implementation approach, and expected results. The launch also marked the official commencement of the 45-day project implementation period, following which the two-day capacity-building training for 80 CDMC members commenced. Two-Day CDMC Capacity-Building Training Following the official project launch, Caritas Freetown immediately conducted a two-day capacity-building training for 80 Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) members representing the eight targeted vulnerable communities (Waterloo Bofla, Portee, Grafton, Culvert, Gary Bush, Banga Ground, Goderich, and Levuma Community)The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of CDMC members in disaster risk reduction, flood preparedness, anticipatory action, early warning, fire prevention, emergency response, environmental sanitation, flood mitigation, first aid and safeguarding. Day One: Disaster Preparedness, Risk Reduction and Emergency Response The first day (8th September) focused on fundamental disaster risk management concepts, including hazards, risks, vulnerability, capacity, mitigation and preparedness. Participants were also introduced to practical approaches for reducing disaster risks within their communities.Ms. Philomena Turay of the National Disaster Management Agency facilitated the sessions on disaster risk management and community preparedness. Participants explored how hazards can become disasters when they affect vulnerable populations with limited capacity to prepare and respond. Dr. Kamara of the National Fire Force facilitated the sessions on fire prevention, fire safety, emergency response and flood mitigation. Participants learned about the fire triangle, fire prevention measures, and appropriate use of fire extinguishers, evacuation procedures and actions to take during fire emergencies. A practical Problem Tree Analysis exercise was also conducted by the National Chairman of the Community Disaster Management Committee Mr. Bob Jones, allowing participants to work in groups to identify key disaster-related problems, underlying causes and consequences affecting their respective communities. The exercise promoted teamwork and encouraged participants to think critically about locally appropriate prevention and mitigation measures. Day Two: Early Warning, Environmental Sanitation, First Aid and Safeguarding The second day (9th September) focused on weather forecasting, early warning information, anticipatory action, environmental sanitation, waste management, flood mitigation, first aid and safeguarding. Mr. Polynaus of the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency provided participants with an understanding of weather forecasting and the importance of timely and reliable weather information in supporting early action. Participants discussed rainfall, thunderstorms, wind conditions, weather forecasts and the importance of monitoring official information, particularly during periods of severe weather. Freetown City Council representatives Mr. Abass Kamara and Mr. Hallowell facilitated a session on solid waste management, sanitation and flood mitigation. The discussion highlighted the relationship between poor waste disposal, blocked drainage systems and flooding. Participants also identified specific environmental and infrastructure challenges affecting their communities, including blocked drains, inadequate waste disposal locations, inaccessible areas and structures that may pose disaster risks. Mr. Paul Kargbo of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society facilitated a practical session on first aid, covering immediate assistance to injured or ill persons, preservation of life, prevention of further harm, promotion of recovery and psychological first aid. The training concluded with a safeguarding session from the Caritas Freetown Safeguarding Focal Person Mrs. Grace Jones, which emphasized the protection of children, vulnerable adults, persons with disabilities and other individuals who may be exposed to abuse, exploitation, discrimination or neglect. Participants were introduced to safeguarding principles, prohibited behaviors and available reporting channels. The launch and two-day CDMC capacity-building training achieved several important results for the project. The project was officially launched by the Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), with strong participation from government institutions, partner organisations, Caritas representatives, and community structures. A total of 80 CDMC members from the eight target communities successfully completed the two-day training, strengthening their understanding of disaster risks, vulnerability, capacity, mitigation, and preparedness. Participants also gained practical knowledge on early warning, weather information, anticipatory action, fire prevention, emergency response, and evacuation preparedness. Through the practical discussions and group exercises, community representatives were able to identify key challenges affecting their communities, particularly those related to waste management, poor drainage, flooding, and other disaster risks. The community Leaders and CDMC member of the 8 communities pledged their commitment and support for the successful implementation of the project in strengthening their preparedness mechanisms. Overall, the training strengthened collaboration and linkages between the CDMCs, Caritas Freetown, NDMA, FCC, SLMet, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, the National Fire Force, and other stakeholders. Participants were also encouraged to cascade the knowledge and skills gained to other community members and support practical preparedness and risk-reduction actions within their communities. Caritas Freetown will work closely with the trained CDMC members and relevant stakeholders to translate the knowledge gained into practical preparedness, early warning, flood risk reduction and community resilience actions.
CARITAS FREETOWN, WITH SUPPORT FROM TRÓCAIRE, PROVIDES CASH ASSISTANCE TO 80 DISASTER-VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS
With support from Trócaire, Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Freetown City Council (FCC), government institutions and community stakeholders, has provided Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) to 80 vulnerable beneficiaries in Bottom-Oku, Moa-Wharf and Moyiba. The cash assistance was distributed on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the resilience of disaster-vulnerable households, support livelihood recovery and help families meet essential needs following their exposure to disaster risks.The intervention forms part of Caritas Freetown’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities to prepare for, cope with and recover from the impacts of disasters.Through the intervention, each of the 80 selected beneficiaries received NLe 3,480 in cash assistance. The support is intended to enable beneficiaries to address priority household needs while also investing in small-scale livelihood activities that can contribute to improved household income and economic resilience. The beneficiaries were identified through a vulnerability-based selection process, with priority given to households considered particularly vulnerable to the impacts of disasters. A registration and verification exercise was conducted to ensure that beneficiaries were properly identified and met the eligibility criteria for the assistance.Prior to the cash distribution, beneficiaries participated in a financial literacy session designed to help them understand how to manage and use the assistance responsibly. The session encouraged beneficiaries to prioritise essential household needs, productive livelihood activities and investments that could contribute to their economic stability and preparedness for future emergencies. Speaking during the distribution, the Acting Programme Manager, Madam Eliza G. O. C. Sillah, explained the purpose of the Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance and the wider project intervention.Madam Sillah said the MPCA is intended to provide vulnerable households with the flexibility to respond to their most pressing needs while supporting their recovery and resilience. She encouraged beneficiaries to use the assistance responsibly and in ways that would contribute to improving their livelihoods and strengthening their ability to cope with future shocks.She also provided an overview of the project and highlighted the importance of collaboration among Caritas Freetown, Trócaire, NDMA, FCC, government institutions and community stakeholders in ensuring that vulnerable households receive timely and appropriate support. The cash distribution took place at Rokel Commercial Bank in Wellington, where beneficiaries arrived from approximately 8:30 a.m. with their coupons, which served as authorisation for them to access the assistance.The distribution process was organised to ensure transparency, accountability and orderly access to the cash assistance. Also speaking during the activity, the Safeguarding Focal Person for Caritas Freetown, Madam Grace Jones, provided beneficiaries with important information on Caritas Freetown’s safeguarding policy.Madam Jones explained that safeguarding is an important part of the organisation’s work and encouraged beneficiaries to report any form of misconduct, abuse, exploitation, harassment or other safeguarding concerns involving staff, volunteers or other individuals associated with the intervention. She further explained that beneficiaries should not remain silent if they experience or witness any safeguarding violation. She provided the appropriate contact numbers and channels through which complaints and concerns could be reported, assuring beneficiaries that the available reporting mechanisms are intended to help protect them and ensure that concerns are properly addressed. The safeguarding session also encouraged beneficiaries to use the established feedback and complaints mechanisms to report challenges, ask questions and provide suggestions regarding the project and the assistance they received. Representatives from Trócaire and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) were also present during the distribution to observe the process, interact with beneficiaries and support the documentation of the intervention.As part of the activity, selected beneficiaries were interviewed to understand their experiences, immediate needs and plans for using the cash assistance. The interviews provided beneficiaries with an opportunity to share how the support would contribute to meeting their household needs and supporting livelihood activities. For many of the beneficiaries, the assistance provides an opportunity to respond to immediate household priorities while taking steps towards rebuilding their livelihoods and strengthening their preparedness for future emergencies.The successful distribution of MPCA to 80 vulnerable beneficiaries represents an important step in supporting disaster-affected and vulnerable households across Bottom-Oku, Moa-Wharf and Moyiba. Through continued collaboration with Trócaire, NDMA, FCC, government institutions and community stakeholders, Caritas Freetown remains committed to strengthening community resilience, supporting livelihood recovery and ensuring that vulnerable families are better prepared to withstand future disasters.
CARITAS FREETOWN SUPPORTS 20 SGBV SURVIVOR GRADUATES WITH VOCATIONAL SKILLS AND START UP KITS
On Friday, 18th September 2026, twenty survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) graduated from a vocational skills training program and received start-up kits to help them build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to societal growth. The program was implemented by Caritas Freetown in partnership with the Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organization (WAADO) with funding from Manos Unidas. The graduation ceremony was held at the Frandy Hall, Waterloo, in the Western Rural District bringing together graduates, families, community leaders, the Executive Director and other staff od Caritas Freetown, representatives of the Family Support Unit (FSU), the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the Ministry of Social Welfare. The training which was carried out under a project titled “Strengthening Behaviour Change on SGBV Prevention, Promoting Access to Justice and Wellbeing for Vulnerable Women and Girls in Western Area,” is being implemented in 10 communities across the Western Area Rural District, working with schools, the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police, community leaders and other stakeholders. Giving an overview of the project, Project Manager, Kumba Gando said the project focuses on preventing SGBV, strengthening community and institutional responses, and improving access to justice and support services for vulnerable women and girls. She explained that the project has three main objectives. These include strengthening schools and communities to prevent SGBV through awareness raising and positive behaviour change; strengthening institutions such as the FSU, community leaders and community-based organisations to respond more effectively to SGBV cases; and improving access to justice and support services for vulnerable survivors. As part of the intervention, 20SGBV survivors received vocational training in tailoring, catering and hairdressing. The beneficiaries also received transportation support throughout the training period. Following the completion of their training, each graduate received a start-up kit to help them put their newly acquired skills into practice, establish businesses and work towards earning a sustainable income. Speaking at the ceremony, FSU Western Rural District Line Manager, Yeanor Christiana Mansaray said violence against women and children remains a concern reflected in cases handled by the Family Support Unit. She assured the beneficiaries and other stakeholders of the FSU’s continued support in responding to SGBV cases. She also acknowledged Caritas Freetown’s support to the FSU in its efforts to protect women and children and strengthen the response to SGBV, including support towards the prosecution of cases. The Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Fr. Peter A. Konteh, described Caritas as “love in action” and said the organisation’s work is focused on bringing hope into the lives of vulnerable people. Fr. Konteh congratulated the graduates for their resilience and encouraged them to use the opportunity provided through the training to move forward. He told the graduates not to allow their past experiences to define their future. “When we empower a girl, we strengthen a family, transform a community and build a better nation,” Fr. Konteh said. The Director of the WAADO Skills Training Center, Doris Fatima Webber thanked Caritas Freetown, Manos Unidas and other partners for their support to the program. She said the partnership with Caritas Freetown had benefited not only the trainees but had also helped strengthen the capacity of WAADO as an organisation. She called for continued support and collaboration to enable the centre to expand its work. She encouraged parents and guardians to value their children and continue supporting them at home. The WAADO Director also assured the graduates that their relationship with the centre would not end with the graduation. She said WAADO would continue to monitor, support and provide opportunities for further skills development. The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and start-up kits to all 20 graduates. The graduates also exhibited some of the work they produced during their training, including fashion clothes, beadwork and other items, while products and practical work from the catering and hairdressing training were also showcased. The support provided through the project is expected to help the graduates turn their skills into sources of income and take steps towards greater economic independence. For the twenty graduates, the ceremony marks the completion of their training and the beginning of a new chapter, with skills, tools and renewed hope to build better lives for themselves and their families.
Irish Ambassador Visits Caritas Freetown’s Kush Rehabilitation Center
On Tuesday, 15th September 2026, the Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Patrick McManus, visited Caritas Freetown’s Kush Rehabilitation and Empowerment Center at Makomba Village, off Newton, to learn about the organisation’s response to the Kush crisis and explore opportunities for collaboration. The Ambassador, accompanied by representatives of the Embassy of Ireland and Irish Aid, was received by Caritas Freetown’s Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Peter Alpha Leo Konteh, together with members of the Board, management and the REAR Project team. During the visit, Caritas Freetown presented the REAR Programme’s holistic rehabilitation model, which includes residential care, counselling, vocational training, family engagement and social reintegration. Ambassador McManus expressed concern over the impact of Kush on individuals and communities, noting that Ireland also faces significant drug-related challenges. “It’s not always about numbers. Whether there are 48 or 50 or so people coming through the Centre, that’s 50 lives that you’ve touched and transformed,” he said, commending Caritas Freetown’s human-centered approach.” The delegation toured the Center’s residential facilities, counselling spaces, vocational training areas and agricultural garden. Discussions focused on resource gaps, capacity building, programme sustainability and possible support from Irish Aid. Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh expressed appreciation for the visit, stating that the engagement provided an opportunity to share the human stories behind the programme and explore stronger partnerships to support vulnerable young people. The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of Caritas Freetown’s commitment to working with the Government, development partners and local communities to strengthen rehabilitation services and provide young people affected by substance abuse with opportunities for recovery, empowerment and reintegration into society.