Tzu Chi Foundation Concludes Annual Rice Distribution to Ebola Survivors in Freetown
Tzu Chi Foundation concluded its annual rice distribution to Ebola survivors and their families in Freetown. The distribution, which began in Goderich and ended in the Rokel community, Western Area Rural, marks the ninth consecutive year of the foundation’s efforts to address the needs of Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone. This mission has been made possible through partnerships with the Healey International Relief Foundation, Caritas Freetown, and the Lanyi Foundation. Margret Bassie, Tzu Chi’s representative in Sierra Leone, expressed her appreciation to the teams and volunteers who contributed in various ways to ensure the smooth execution of the distribution. She emphasized Tzu Chi’s core values, including charity, medical aid, education, and humanistic culture, all driven by a commitment to compassion and altruism. Bassie noted that those unable to collect their rice during the distribution can do so on Monday at the Partnering to Serve Humanity Headquarters at St. Edward’s Senior Secondary School in Kingtom. Mary Kamara, an Ebola survivor, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners for supplying her family rice during the rainy season. She shared that the distribution brought immense joy to her life, as she had gone to bed the previous night with an empty stomach due to a lack of food. Kamara, who has been a recipient of the rice distribution for nine years, expressed hope that Tzu Chi and its partners would continue their support. Ibrahim Sonny Sesay, another Ebola survivor residing in the Waterloo community, also expressed his gratitude. A single father who lost his wife and two children during the Ebola epidemic, Sesay said, “I am happy to receive this rice. My children and I can now eat comfortably for some time.” He added that he hopes Tzu Chi’s support will continue. At the end of the event, the Ebola survivor community presented a gift to Margaret Bassie in appreciation of her advocacy on their behalf. Bassie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her hope that the relationship between Tzu Chi and the Ebola survivors will continue. As Tzu Chi concludes its annual rice distribution, its continued support has been a beacon of hope for many Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone, providing relief and sustenance to families affected by the devastating epidemic. The foundation’s commitment to humanitarian efforts remains unwavering, and its partnership with local organizations strengthens its ability to make a lasting impact.
Agiamondo and Caritas Freetown Hold Media Law and Ethics Training for Staff
On September 10, 2024, Agiamondo, in collaboration with Caritas Freetown, conducted a one-day capacity-building session on Media Law and Ethics at the Agiamondo conference room in Kingtom, Freetown. The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge of Caritas Freetown’s media staff and the Sick Pikin Project volunteers on ethical journalism, fact-checking, and the legal framework governing media operations in Sierra Leone. Facilitated by Mr. Sheku P. Kamara, the session began with a warm welcome to participants, followed by an invitation to actively engage throughout the training. Mr. Kamara also administered a pre-test survey on media law and ethics, based on feedback previously gathered via email. He described Media Law and Ethics as a critical framework for ensuring that media professionals ethically handle information, particularly when using content from the public. Emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in journalism, he highlighted these principles as essential to the work of Caritas Freetown in the humanitarian sector. A significant portion of the training was dedicated to discussing the legal limitations on freedom of expression as outlined in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. Mr. Kamara explained Section 25(1), which guarantees citizens’ right to free expression, and Section 25(2), which places restrictions on that right in accordance with the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Code of Practice. Additionally, the session covered the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists’ Code of Conduct, shedding light on topics such as copyright, reporting on children, handling stories under grief and shock among others, all of which are relevant to Caritas Freetown’s operations. Fact-checking was another key focus of the training, with Mr. Kamara stressing its importance in maintaining journalistic integrity. He outlined both internal and external fact-checking methods and urged participants to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their reporting. By practicing thorough fact-checking, media professionals can not only safeguard the credibility of their work but also protect the reputations of the organizations they represent. The training also addressed ethical issues such as anonymity and source confidentiality, which are crucial in investigative journalism. Protecting the identity of sources is essential, particularly when revealing sensitive information that may pose risks to individuals. The event concluded with recommendations for the participants to maintain ethical standards while balancing accuracy and transparency in the dispensation of their duties. The session saw active participation from representatives of the Caritas Media and the Sick Pikin Project. This training provided participants with valuable insights into their legal and ethical responsibilities as media practitioners, equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate the complex field of media law and ethics in Sierra Leone.
Building a Safer Future: Men and Boys Leading the Way!
Today, September 9, 2024, Caritas Freetown hosted a community awareness session on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), focusing on policy landscapes and the vital involvement of men and boys. This impactful event gathered 50 participants from the Lumpa, Russel, Hastings, Regent, and Old Wharf communities at the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD C) Hall in Waterloo. As part of our project, “Strengthening Community Resilience & Protecting Women and Girls through Integrated Disaster Preparedness (Goal 4) and Violence Mitigation (Goal 3),” funded by Trocaire, we aim to spark meaningful change by actively involving men and boys in preventing gender-based violence (GBV) while promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. Today’s session covered key topics, including the societal roles of men, boys, women, and girls, the concept of masculinity and the “MAN BOX,” as well as the legal frameworks in place to combat GBV in Sierra Leone. Our objectives were to deepen understanding of women’s and children’s rights, highlight the effects of violence, and equip participants with strategies to manage emotions such as helplessness, stress, anger, and fear. Facilitated by an expert from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs alongside our dedicated Caritas Freetown team, the event was a resounding success! We witnessed vibrant discussions and a collective commitment to building a safer and more equitable community. Engaging men and boys in redefining gender relations is crucial for sustainable change. By fostering a sense of responsibility, we emphasize that “gender equality benefits everyone”. Together, let’s empower our communities, uplift women and girls, and cultivate a culture of respect and equality. Together, we can create safer spaces for all! GBVprevention #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #ViolenceMitigation #SierraLeone #Trocaire #CaritasFreetown
Strengthening Community Resilience & Women and Girls Protection Through Integrated Disaster Preparedness (Goal 4) and Violence Mitigation (Goal 3) in the Western Area of Sierra Leone
Name of activity: Disaster Preparedness Emergency Planning TrainingDate: 16th July, 2024Time: 10:00 amVenue: St. Anthony’s Parish Hall, Syke Street, FreetownDuration of activity: (5 hours) Caritas Freetown, with funding from Trocair, organized Stakeholders Disaster Preparedness Emergency Planning Training on the Project Title: “Strengthening Community Resilience & Women and Girls Protection Through Integrated Disaster Preparedness (Goal 4) and Violence Mitigation (Goal 3) in the Western Area of Sierra Leone”The training particularly looked at goal 4 which is the Integrated Disaster preparedness and mitigation in the Western Area and it aimed at training and preparing stakeholders from five various communities about disaster preparedness and Emergency planning. The various communities targeted where Portee Community, Wellington Old Whaf Community, Lakka Community, Number 2 River Community and Gloucester Community. There were two facilitators ; Mr. Mohammed Sahid Conteh, CDMC Sierra Leone National Administrative Secretary General from Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) and Mr. Idriss Gibson Mansaray from Caritas Freetown. They were able conclude presentation on the following Topics : Problem Tree on Disaster Risk Response (DDR), what is an Action Plan?, Brainstorming/ Analysis, Transforming PT, Plan (CMI) Types of Volunteer in Development,Basic Disaster Risk Reduction Terminologies, Transact work and Analysis, Community Hazard/Risk Assessment, Community hazard/Risk Map Drawing. During the training, participants were placed in various groups and make them gathered around a flip chart distributed to each group for some group work and exercises, after which a presentation was done by each group making the sessions lively and interactive.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Feedback Complaint and Response Mechanism (FCRM) Department, conducted a two-day popularization session in partnership with Caritas Freetown’s staff in the Youth in Politics and Peace Building Project
On the 23rd and 24th July, 2024, Ms Kharty and Ms Gabriella who are Technical staff from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Feedback Complaint and Response Mechanism (FCRM) Department, conducted a two-day popularization session in partnership with Caritas Freetown’s staff in the Youth in Politics and Peace Building Project. Four (4) project communities; 2 in the Western Rural and another 2 in the Western Urban Area Districts. The purpose of the popularisation of the FCRM was to ensure that the FCRM short code, 535, which is available on all Mobile Networks, would be widely promoted and utilized by the project participants and partners. The initiative aimed to enhance the overall quality of Caritas Freetown’s projects and also address the concerns and feedback from project participants on a timely and effective manner. The session targeted a total of four communities: Lakka and Kossoh Town in the Western Area Rural , as well as Brookfields and Kissy Communities in the Western Area Urban. The session in each of the communities were attended by 40 participants, reaching out to a total of 125 (22 male 101 of female) in attendance, including Persons With Disabilities (2 PWDs), who were educated on the purpose and use of the FCRM shortcode. The Safeguarding session, facilitated by CRS ‘s Technical Staff, Ms. Kharty and Gabriella provided an invaluable opportunity to empower the project participants and stakeholders with knowledge about and importance of setting up the FCRM system. Such initiative is meant to improve project quality and address project participants’ concerns or complaints more effectively; ultimately leading to a highly positive impact on the communities/groups that we serve. The FCRM short code, 535, is a critical tool for our project participants and partners to directly provide feedbacks, concerns, or complaints directly to the CRS data portal. Lastly, it was stated the the transparent and accessible mechanism will ensure that the voices of the project participants or community members are heard and addressed on time, strengthening accountability and moreover, prompt response to complaints be it sensitive or non-sensitive. On the whole, the popularisation of the FCRM in those communities was successful.
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.
German Philanthropist and Team Provide Humanitarian Aid to Disabled Community in Freetown
In a heartwarming display of generosity and care, Dr. Elizabeth Barbara Klett, a 92-year-old German philanthropist, has spearheaded a two-week program at the St. Mary’s Fatima Interim Care Center in the No. Two River Community, dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in Freetown. The initiative, which commenced on March 7th, 2024, encompasses two crucial phases: one devoted to caring for individuals with Autism, and the other to providing essential medical support to persons with disabilities (PWDs). Accompanied by four dedicated colleagues from Germany, Dr. Klett orchestrated a comprehensive effort to address the diverse needs of Freetown’s disabled population. Among the team members was Larissa Jemma Kendler, an expert in Autism care, who devoted her time to engaging individuals with Autism through activities like drawing, games, and motivational sessions. Heinz-Christoph Hemme, a German Military Doctor and Dentist, explained that his mission involved assessing the dental health and hygiene of the beneficiaries. Recognizing the significance of dental care, Dr. Hemme emphasized the importance of education on dental hygiene and highlighted the potential health risks associated with untreated dental issues, such as heart and lung diseases. Leilah Patzak and Iris Mittelhammer, both military doctors from Germany, played pivotal roles in providing essential healthcare services to the beneficiaries. Leilah underscored the community’s enthusiasm for the services offered, which many viewed as viable alternatives to traditional healthcare facilities. She emphasized the team’s commitment to referring patients to clinics when necessary, recognizing the limitations of their onsite services. In addition to the remarkable efforts of Dr. Elizabeth Barbara Klett and her team, it’s worth noting that over 100 individuals have directly benefited from the medical services provided during the two-week program. This substantial outreach underscores the program’s significant impact on the disabled community in Freetown. The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the support extended to them during the program. Dr. Klett’s benevolence extended beyond medical assistance, as beneficiaries also received tokens to aid in sustaining their livelihoods. The impact of Dr. Elizabeth Barbara Klett’s initiative transcends borders, underscoring the profound difference that compassionate intervention can make in the lives of vulnerable communities. As the program draws to a close, its legacy of compassion serves as a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities in Freetown.
Hungary Helps Continues its Sustainable Feeding Program for School Kids in No. 2 River Community
Hungary Helps, in collaboration with Caritas Freetown, has continued its sustainable feeding program at the Kiera Chaplin Desert Flower School in Number 2 River, Western Rural District, Sierra Leone. The project, titled “Sustainable School-Based Feeding of School-going Pupils,” aims to enhance the nutrition, health, and academic performance of students through regular and nutritious meals. The project’s core objectives include promoting access to nutritious meals, improving student health and well-being, and enhancing academic performance. Emphasizing local sourcing and sustainable farming practices, the initiative aims to address both short-term needs and long-term resilience against climate change impacts. Now in its third week, the program benefits 400 school-aged children, providing them with access to nutritious meals. Joseph Sesay, a class six pupil, expressed gratitude, stating, “I want to express my sincere thanks to Hungary Helps because some of us don’t bring enough lunch to school since my parents are not financially strong.” He emphasized the importance of continuing the feeding program for their education. Elizabeth Koya Alie, Head of the Nursery Department at Kiera Chaplin Desert Flower School, expressed joy at the initiative, acknowledging the vulnerability of many students who often attend school without food. She hopes that the program will extend beyond the Lenten season, providing sustained support to the students. As the feeding program continues to make a positive impact on the lives of students, Hungary Helps and its partners are committed to ensuring the sustainability and success of the initiative. Through community engagement and support, they aim to create lasting benefits for the students of Kiera Chaplin Desert Flower School and beyond.
Caritas Freetown and Civil Peace Service (C. P. S) Commemorates International Women’s Day with Empowering Event in Western Area Rural District
In commemoration of the ongoing one-month International Women’s Day celebrations, Caritas Freetown, supported by C.P.S, organized a one-day event on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, at Masantigie Community, Western Area Rural. The event, attended by 30 participants from Masantigie and Matainkay communities, aimed to celebrate and recognize the pivotal role women play in society while promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from the Sierra Leone Police-Family Support Unit, Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, Desert Flower Africa, Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organization (WADO), C.P.S, and Caritas Freetown, gathered to emphasize the importance of women’s participation in decision-making and advocate for their rights. During the event, statements were delivered by stakeholders, highlighting the significant contributions of women to society and stressing the need for their equal treatment and respect. Andrew Kponeh, the event facilitator, underscored the importance of women’s participation in society, noting the progress made in areas such as politics and decision-making, thanks to legislations like the Gender Empowerment and Development Act of 2022. He encouraged both women and men to work towards gender equality and support women’s empowerment initiatives. Tobias Max Grosse, representing C.P.S, emphasized the ongoing gender inequalities and the collective responsibility to address them. He urged attendees to familiarize themselves with key provisions of relevant legislation, engage in discussions, and advocate for women’s rights. Sallaymatu Koroma, from the Sierra Leone Police-Family Support Unit, encouraged women to speak up against issues of gender-based violence (SGBV) and empower themselves to seize opportunities available to them. Madam Doris Fatima Webber, Director of WADO, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that empowering women adds value not only to households but also to communities and the nation at large. She called attention to legislation like the Gender Empowerment and Development Act of 2022, which promotes women’s increased participation in politics and decision-making. In conclusion, the event served as a platform to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about ongoing gender inequalities, and promote collective action towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country. Through collaboration and advocacy, stakeholders aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Caritas Freetown attends The Kiera Chaplin Desert Flower School-Based Feeding Program Sponsored by Hungary Helps
On Tuesday 27 February 2024, Caritas Freetown’s Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, supports The Kiera Chaplin Desert Flower feeding programme at Number 2 River, Western Area Rural, Freetown sponsored by Hungary Helps. The programme aims to provide food and drink provisions such as bread, rice, and water for the school-going pupils, to improve the overall nutrition of primary school-aged children (1 years old – 6 years old) to further enhance the overall health, wellbeing, and support of the school children’s academic performance. Principal of The Kiera Chaplin Desert Flower school, Mr. Alusiane Y Fornah, expressed his deep gratitude for the provisions provided by Hungary Helps, he says “We the members of staff in this school are very happy, this is creating great impact for the children, before this intervention our children would attend classes hungry affecting their focus.” Sister Agatha, Supervisor for the school-based feeding programme expressed the importance of this transformational change and how it will positively impact the children at The Kiera Chaplin Desert Flower School she states, “I remember a vivid memory from last year where we saw the effects of the scarcity in provisions for children in this area, with the assistance of Hungary Helps it has made a huge difference.” Many low-income households in rural areas have limited access to nutritious food types due to factors such as cost of living. It is an unfortunate reality for many school-aged children from these backgrounds to attend classes hungry, some of these households suffering from food insecurity, malnutrition and hunger aim to combat this through rice cultivation and other means. In response, the school-based feeding programme aims to promote sustainable and agricultural practices by sourcing food provisions locally and engaging in eco-friendly initiatives. The direct impact of this programme will be highly effective, with use of The Home Grown Feeding (HGSF) model impacting more than 400 of the most vulnerable in-school pupils at the school. Overall, this initiative will be impactful for the children involved in combating hunger, malnourishment and food insecurity aiding in the effective engagement of children within the education system.