Caritas Freetown and Manos Unidas Deliver Emergency Relief to Fire Victims in Freetown.
Freetown, August 6, 2025, Caritas Freetown, with funding from Manos Unidas, a Spanish Catholic NGO, provided emergency relief on Tuesday to 106 victims of recent fire disasters in three Freetown communities: Kroo Bay, Congo Town, and Black Hall Road. The distribution ceremony took place at the Caritas Freetown headquarters in Kingtom, where beneficiaries received a package of essential food and non-food items. Each recipient was given a 50kg bag of rice, one gallon of vegetable oil, one gallon of palm oil, onions, a packet of Maggi seasoning, and salt. Non-food items included a rubber bucket, laundry soap, scented soap, a lappa (traditional garment for women), sanitary pads, batteries, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. In his remarks, Ishmeal Alfred Charles, Programs Manager of Caritas Freetown, expressed empathy for the victims and apologized for the delay in distribution. “We were scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. sharp, but due to unforeseen logistical delays and the rain, we started at 11,” Charles explained. “I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to those affected by this tragic fire and flooding. As we often say, no amount of support can replace what you’ve lost, but we hope this relief brings some comfort.” He also cited international banking challenges as a cause of the delay in delivering the aid. “We believe everything happens in its own time, and perhaps this was the right moment for you to receive this help,” he added. Charles emphasized that the aid was specifically targeted at victims of the recent fire incidents in the three communities. He expressed gratitude to Manos Unidas for their continued partnership and unwavering support. He introduced Manos Unidas to the audience as a long-standing partner of Caritas Freetown. “Manos Unidas is a Catholic Church-based organization in Spain dedicated to fighting poverty and promoting development. They focus on tackling the root causes of poverty, such as injustice, limited access to resources, and poor education,” Charles said. He also shared a brief history of the organization, explaining that Manos Unidas originated from the Campaign Against Hunger, launched in 1959 by Catholic Action Women in Spain. “Their mission is to fight hunger, poverty, disease, and illiteracy while empowering communities through sustainable development rooted in dignity and justice,” he added. Also speaking at the event was Councillor Samuel Kamara of the Freetown City Council, who expressed appreciation for the intervention. “Caritas Freetown has always stood by our communities in times of disaster,” he said. “Even though the FCC may not always have the resources to respond directly, we rely on organizations like Caritas to provide the much-needed support to our people.” Kamara reassured beneficiaries of the organization’s commitment. “Sometimes when Caritas comes around to collect data and then leaves, people assume nothing will come out of it. But this is not fraud, as with some other organizations, we are seeing the results today. I’ll be reporting to the Mayor that this was a well-executed response. Thank you, Caritas, and thank you, Manos Unidas,” he concluded. Among the beneficiaries was Kadiatu Fofanah, a resident of Kroo Bay, who emotionally recalled how her life changed in an instant. “I had just left home to attend to my small business when I heard my house was on fire,” she recounted. “At first, I couldn’t believe it. But when I got there, everything was gone. I couldn’t save a single item—not even my phone or personal belongings.” Kadiatu expressed deep gratitude upon receiving her relief package. “This is the first real help I’ve received since the fire,” she said through tears. “Caritas and Manos Unidas have given me hope again. May God bless them.” The emergency response highlights Caritas Freetown’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in times of crisis. It also reflects the power of strong local-international partnerships in responding effectively to disasters across Freetown. Sinneh Mansaray, Director of Relief and Response at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), commended Caritas Freetown’s efforts: “Caritas is one of our key partners, consistently mobilizing support from their wide network of generous donors whenever there is a need. They are here today because of the vital assistance they are providing to several of our affected communities—specifically Congo Town, Black Hall Road, and Kroo Bay. These communities represent 106 households, with an average of five to six members per household.” He noted Caritas Freetown’s track record in the Western Area: “When it comes to disaster response, Caritas has performed exceptionally well. That’s why we conduct joint assessments with them in affected communities to identify and prioritize urgent needs.”
Activity: Flood Preparedness Needs Assessment Training for Multiple Purpose Cash Assistance Support.
Date: 12th August 2025Donor: TrócaireImplementing Partner: Caritas FreetownProject: Resilience Building & Disaster Mitigation for Vulnerable Communities in Freetown, Sierra LeoneOrganization: Caritas Freetown As part of the Resilience Building & Disaster Mitigation for Vulnerable Communities project, Caritas Freetown, with support from Trócaire, conducted a short needs assessment training for project volunteers. The exercise aimed to identify the urgent needs of targeted vulnerable communities to prevent floods, and to equip volunteers with the skills required for efficient and accurate data collection. The training focused on the use of the developed Kobo Collect survey tool. Trainers provided an overview of the survey questionnaire, explaining the correct administration process to ensure effective communication between volunteers and respondents. The sample size for the needs assessment covered 67 households across Culvert, Kroo Bay, Wellington, Levuma communities & etc. After completing the simulations, volunteers were divided into groups and dispatched to their assigned communities to begin data collection. Key Outcomes of the Training:
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.
Celebrating Excellence in Service and Youth Empowerment!
Caritas Freetown was honored with a prestigious award from the Sierra Leone Association of NGOs (#SLANGO). This recognition underscores our commitment and significant contributions to empowering the youth sector in Sierra Leone. The award, endorsed by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, was presented by Madam Melrose Karminty, the Minister of Social Welfare, during a meaningful ceremony attended by numerous NGOs, government officials, and diplomats. Together, we are dedicated to empowering young people, upholding their dignity, and educating them about their rights and responsibilities. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports our mission! 💪✨ CaritasFreetown #YouthEmpowerment #SLANGO #SocialWelfare #TogetherWeRise
The Archdoicese of Freetown, in Collaboration with Caritas Freetown, Launches New Project to Tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Using a Socio-Pastoral Approach
The Archdoicese of Freetown in collaboration with Caritas Freetown launched the project “Together for Equality: Socio-Pastoral Approach in Preventing and Responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Catholic Parishes and Institutions of Learning in the Archdoicese of Freetown” at St. Mary’s Home, River No. 2. The project, implemented by Caritas Freetown and owned by the Archdiocese of Freetown, aims to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence in Catholic parishes and institutions of learning within the Archdiocese. The launch served as an orientation for the proposed project staff and laid out plans for the official start in October 2024. The project is specifically designed to tackle SGBV using a socio-pastoral approach, emphasizing dialogue and engagement with small Christian communities in the Archdoicese of Freetown. Its goal is to raise awareness about the evils of SGBV, particularly targeting key agents of socialization, including families, churches, and schools. The initiative will cover 16 parishes, 35 educational institutions, three hospitals, and 500 households across the Archdiocese of Freetown. Additionally, 160 volunteers from 16 parishes will be engaged to assist in the project’s implementation. A crucial component of the project is the inclusion of interfaith dialogue between Muslim and Christian religious leaders, allowing them to work together in spreading the message about the dangers of SGBV within their respective communities. Given the strong influence of religion in society, this approach is expected to foster a more united and comprehensive response to the issue. During the launch, Mr. Edward John Bull, the project launch facilitator, presented an overview of the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, the theory of change, and the monitoring and evaluation framework. He emphasized that this socio-pastoral approach is critical because it differs from the traditional socio-legal response to SGBV, which often focuses on the incarceration of perpetrators. According to Bull, such punitive measures can sometimes lead to further societal conflict, whereas a more rehabilitative and dignified approach is essential in addressing both victims and perpetrators, as perpetrators themselves are often victims of dysfunctional societal structures. By promoting respectful treatment of both victims and offenders, the “Together for Equality” project aims to contribute to lasting change within the community, addressing the root causes of SGBV and fostering a more peaceful and understanding environment.
Caritas Freetown, CRS and partners commemorates Internationl Day of Peace.
“Cultavting a Culture of Peace” is the theme for the 2024 International day of Peace. In collaboration with the Independent Commission for Peace and Natioanl Cohesion, CRS and Caritas actively participated in the series of events organised by the Commision.On the 21st day of Septmeber, a Peace walk across the major streets of Freetown to preach the message of Peace and to cultivate a culture of peace was hugely successful with active participation from CRS and Caritas. The commemoration was also continued by a Town Hall Symposium at the Bintumani International Conference centre where all partners and key players in peace and nationl Cohesion were present. Stements to cultivate a Culture of Peace and national cohesin were intrinsic across all messages delivered by the different speakers. As September is declared Peace month by the Peace Commission, CRS, Caritas, and it partners will continue to observe the month through different activities under the United Nations Peace Buiding Fund Youth in Politics and Peace Building Project.
Caritas Freetown Launches Soup Kitchen Initiative to Combat Hunger
Freetown, Sierra Leone – September 26– Caritas Freetown, with generous support from the Maga Foundation, officially launched its inaugural Soup Kitchen today, aimed at providing nutritious meals to those in need within the western urban area. This initiative seeks to offer quality food to individuals regardless of their social status, ensuring that no one goes hungry. The Soup Kitchen’s first day was a resounding success, serving a total of 197 individuals with a hearty meal of rice and beans. The initiative is designed to cater to a diverse group of beneficiaries, including struggling businesspeople, elderly individuals facing starvation, visually impaired beggars, and schoolchildren in need of nourishment. In a unique twist, the meals served at the Soup Kitchen are prepared by trainees from Caritas’s Hospitality Project, which is also supported by the Maga Foundation in Spain. This project focuses on recruiting and training at-risk young women, providing them with essential skills and opportunities in the hospitality industry. The trainees will prepare meals for the Soup Kitchen once a week, creating a sustainable cycle of support and empowerment. Reverend Fr. Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, emphasized the importance of action in demonstrating love, stating, “Love is not just words but action. Caritas means love in action.” He expressed gratitude for the partnerships that make such initiatives possible. Among the volunteers was Gerald Hatler, who passionately served the meals to the hungry, embodying the spirit of compassion that the Soup Kitchen represents. The initiative aims to provide meals once a week, with the goal of feeding anyone who falls within the designated categories of need. Project Manager Isatu Sidibay expressed her pride and excitement at the turnout, noting the gratitude from beneficiaries who reported that the food was delicious. She extended her heartfelt thanks to the Maga Foundation for their generous support in making this initiative a reality. Caritas Freetown’s Soup Kitchen marks a significant step in addressing hunger in the community, and the organization looks forward to continuing this vital service to those in need. Fifty-six-year-old Aminata Kamara shared her heartfelt story of struggle and hope after benefiting from the newly launched Soup Kitchen initiative by Caritas Freetown. For some time, Aminata had faced significant challenges in finding food to eat, often feeling desperate and hungry. While wandering near the Youyi building, she was informed by some children about the soup kitchen serving meals for the hungry. This news felt like a ray of hope in her darkest moments, as she realized that help was available for those in need. Expressing her profound gratitude, Aminata thanked the donors and volunteers who made the soup kitchen possible. “Your kindness has made a difference in my life and the lives of many others who are struggling like I am,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. As she received her meal, she took a moment to pray for those who contributed to the initiative, wishing blessings upon them for their compassion and support. Aminata’s story highlights the critical impact of community support and the importance of initiatives like the Soup Kitchen in addressing hunger and food insecurity in Freetown. Breakdown of Beneficiaries197 beneficiaries (Men 72, Women 50, Boys 35, Girls 40)
Peace Message from Caritas Freetown on International Day of Peace
On this International Day of Peace, September 21, Caritas Freetown reaffirms its commitment to fostering a world where the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable are not only heard but acted upon. We envision a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, living in peace and dignity, free from fear and oppression. As stewards of our environment, we recognize the sacred duty to manage our natural resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring that the well-being of our planet is safeguarded for future generations. Together, let us build bridges of understanding, compassion, and solidarity, uniting in our shared humanity. May this day inspire us all to work towards a more just and peaceful world, where every person can flourish and contribute to the common good. Let us embrace peace not just as a concept, but as a lived reality for all. In solidarity and hope, Caritas Freetown