Caritas Freetown and German Embassy Inaugurate Agricultural Training Center in Makomba Village
Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador to Sierra Leone, celebrated the inauguration of an agricultural training center at Makomba Village, Western Area Rural District, on Tuesday, February 13th, 2023. This pivotal event marks the commencement of a transformative journey aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering local communities, particularly in Makomba village, where agriculture is central to survival and livelihood. The Caritas Agric Training Center represents a significant milestone in Caritas’ commitment to improving agricultural practices and facilitating economic empowerment, especially for women and girls in the region. With generous support from the German Embassy, this initiative has come to fruition. Dignitaries present at the event included the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador, Councilors of Western Area Rural District, representatives of the District Agriculture Office under Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, community headmen, stakeholders, and other staff members of Caritas Freetown. The speakers emphasized the importance of promoting agricultural development and commended the efforts of the project initiators. Andreas Schnier, Technical Project Advisor of Caritas Freetown, provided an overview of the training agricultural center and its objectives. He highlighted the center’s role in equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary for embracing modern and sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing productivity, and contributing to food security in the face of challenges such as climate change. Schnier outlined plans for the second phase of the project, which includes implementing a water installation system crucial for agricultural production and access to solar lighting. Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, expressed gratitude to the German Embassy for their support and emphasized the positive impact of collaboration in addressing agricultural challenges. He urged all stakeholders to join hands in advancing this noble endeavor for sustainable development. Jens Kraus-Massé, the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador to Sierra Leone, commended Caritas Freetown and the community for their swift efforts in establishing the training center, he was impressed with the construction which only took two months. He emphasized the importance of empowering girls and women in agriculture, noting their pivotal role in the sector and its broader impact on health and education. Adamsay Kargbo, a farmer and resident of Makomba Village, expressed joy at the establishment of the training agricultural center. She highlighted the community’s struggle with outdated farming techniques and expressed hope that the initiative would enable them to improve production and provide for their families. Kargbo extended her gratitude to Caritas Freetown and its sponsors for their support. In conclusion, the inauguration of the agricultural training center signifies a collaborative effort towards sustainable agriculture and community empowerment in Makomba Village and beyond. As the project unfolds, it promises to bring about positive change and opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector, benefiting communities and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. This project supports the government’s agenda and will serve as a farmer’s school for piloting and training.
Interview with Rev Fr Peter Konteh
Listen to an interesting interview and discussion with radio Veritas 102.9fm in the Gambia
Disaster Management Project Empowers Communities Through Plastic Recycling Training
In a commendable initiative, the Disaster Management Project team orchestrated a training session on plastic waste utilization for 54 members of the Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) from Susan’s Bay and Culvert Communities. This transformative event, held on Wednesday, 17th January 2024, at the National Railway Museum at Cline Town, aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste and equip participants with the skills to produce bricks and moulds from recycled plastics. This training is currently centered on the theoretical aspect, representing a vital step in providing participants with the necessary skills for plastic recycling. The practical component is scheduled to follow shortly. The participants, welcomed by project staff, engaged in a comprehensive session covering the nuances of recycling, plastic waste types and impacts, manufacturing processes, personal protective equipment, hazard identification, and risk assessment. Isatu Zainab Conteh, a facilitator, emphasized the significance of learning skills that not only generate income but also contribute to managing plastic waste and maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Notably, Culvert Community, having participated in the previous phase, has already started manufacturing bricks and moulds, setting the stage for a more successful second phase. Senesie Koroma, Team Lead of the Disaster Management Project Team, acknowledged challenges faced in the first phase, particularly in marketing strategies for the recycled products. He assured participants of improved mechanisms in place and highlighted the financial benefits of acquiring these skills. Group discussions allowed participants to share experiences, challenges, and solutions. Culvert Community shared success stories, inspiring Susan’s Bay participants. Mamusu Kamara from Culvert Community attested to the project’s positive impact on plastic waste management, expressing gratitude for the additional knowledge acquired. Mohamed Johnny, Secretary General of Susan’s Bay Community Disaster Management Committee, praised Caritas Freetown and project sponsors, highlighting the initiative’s potential to rid their community of environmental hazards. The training not only equips communities with practical skills but also fosters a collaborative approach to address challenges. With a focus on sustainable practices and economic benefits, these empowered community members are set to make a significant impact on plastic waste management. The commitment expressed by participants ensures a ripple effect, spreading the knowledge gained to further benefit their communities.
Caritas Freetown with joint support from Trocaire and UNPBF Project through C.R.S supports the Ministry of Social Welfare with two Live Media Coverages to Commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disability
Caritas Freetown, with joint support from Trocaire, and the UNPBF project through C.R.S. are partnering with the Ministry of Social Welfare and collaborating with Partners of Disability to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023. The event took place at the Miatta Conference Centre Car Park, Youyi Building, Freetown, with live TV media coverage. Adopting the global theme of “United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for and with Persons with Disabilities,” the localized theme for this commemoration is “Employment and Economic Justice for the fulfilment of the Big Five Game Changers for Persons with Disability.” The event aims to advocate for inclusive employment opportunities and economic justice to empower persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone. Caritas Freetown has been supporting persons with disabilities (PWDs) through its work and various projects to promote their social status and livelihood. At the end of the event, the PWDs showcased their various talents to the attendees.
Caritas Freetown in Collaboration with Civil Peace Service (C.P.S) Commemorates 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a globally recognized campaign, observed from November 25th to December 10th each year. It serves as a critical platform for raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and advocating for effective measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) against women and Girls. Caritas Freetown, a prominent humanitarian organization dedicated to serving the vulnerable in Sierra Leone, has joined hands with numerous other organizations to mark this year’s event. As part of our activities Caritas engaged staffs from different departments to participate in this year’s activity. The staffs were able to identify different activities ranging from the development of Key messages, Radio Discussion program, sensitization in different schools and different communities and the event was climaxed in one of our project locations encompassing four communities who came to grace the occasion. RADIO DISCUSSION PROGRAMThe radio discussion program took place at the culture radio in Grafton Community on the 2nd of December 2023 at 3:00 pm. The panellist were members from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Police, representing the Family Support Unit in Grafton Community and Few Caritas Staffs who were able to discuss the role of Caritas and our partners in salvaging Gender Based Violence in the country. SENSITISATION Firstly, Sensitization was done across our different offices raging from our Kingtom office, Syke street and Savage street Office respectively. Berners were hung at the entrance of the three main offices depicting the theme of this year’s 16 days of Activism.The team later targeted the St. Edward’s Secondary School and the St, Joseph’s Secondary School where we were able to talk to over 900 pupils, sensitising them on the importance of the 16 days of Activism and the role of every individual to combat gender based violence in our homes and communities. Similarly the team of staffs continued with their sensitisation in the Western Rural Communities targeting the Waterloo community, Sattia, Mosseh, Tissana and Gbankoh Community respectively. Climax of activity The 16 days of Activism organised by Caritas Freetown was climax in the Western Rural community on Friday the 8th December 2023. Hundreds of people were gathered across four different communities; Sattia, Tissana, Gbankoh and Mosseh who assembled at Sattia community being the center of these four villages for the concluding activity of the 16 days of Activism. Among the community people were the Village head men and other stakeholders representing each community. Partners were invited from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Police; mainly the Family Support Unit, and members from other humanitarian organisations to grace the occasion. Different speakers made their contributions at the event, climaxed by the key note speaker Doris Webber from the Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organization. In her keynote speech, she commended the donors for supporting Caritas to organize such an activity that complements the effort of the Government.
Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission Hosts Dialogue Session To Enhance Collaboration Among Vawg Service Providers and Strengthen Referral Pathways
Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, with support from Trocaire, organized a pivotal one-day dialogue session on Tuesday, December 13th, 2023, at Twin Hall, Hastings. The session centered around the critical theme of Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), brought together 30 dedicated VAWG service providers and stakeholders from both Western Urban and Western Rural Areas. The aim was to foster a platform for sharing successes, challenges, and lessons learned in the implementation of action plans. Facilitating the discussion, Mr. Andrew Kponeh, the Lead Paralegal emphasized that the dialogue’s purpose extended beyond the recounting of successes and challenges. The session sought to illuminate the need for strengthening collaboration and coordination among VAWG service providers, pinpointing institutions actively involved in women and girls’ issues within communities for potential linkages. Mr. Kponeh highlighted that this session continued the momentum from the previous gathering in August, which delved into establishing a Standard of Operation (SOP) for response mechanisms on VAWG issues at organizational and institutional levels. Participants actively engaged in reflections and shared their experiences dealing with VAWG cases, delving into the challenges faced and lessons learned. A central message emerged – the hindrance posed by poor coordination and a weak referral system between various support services, acting as a barrier to WAWG survivors’ access to justice and essential services. While a national referral protocol exists, its rollout lacks standardization, leading to cases being dismissed in court due to insufficient evidence or procedural improprieties. Recognizing this, the participants underscored the importance of engaging law enforcement bodies, the judiciary, and other service providers to fortify collaboration and the referral system, ultimately enhancing services for survivors of VAWG. Providing an update and feedback on the action plan developed in the last coordinating meeting held in August, participants were divided into groups for a service mapping exercise at district and community levels. This exercise focused on mapping out services for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors, capturing key details such as the institution’s name, location, services provided, operational hours, focal person, and contact information. As the dialogue session drew to a close, it was evident that the collective efforts of VAWG service providers and stakeholders are integral in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors. The commitment to enhancing collaboration and strengthening referral pathways reflects a collective determination to provide improved and more effective services for those affected by violence against women and girls.
Inter-School Climate Change Awareness Raising Quiz and Art Work Competition, Organized by Caritas Freetown with Support from Trocaire
On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, a remarkable event unfolded at St. Edwards Secondary School Hall in Kingtom. It was the Inter-School Climate Change Awareness Raising Quiz and Art Work Competition, organized by Caritas Freetown with support from Trocaire. This event marked another significant step in their ongoing initiative to raise awareness and advocate for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the western urban and rural districts of Freetown. Eight schools enthusiastically participated in the competition, with four representing the Western Rural district and the remaining four from the Western Urban district. The primary objective of this event was to educate and sensitize pupils about the far-reaching effects of climate change and the urgent need to protect our communities and the world from its detrimental impacts. The competition began with the Quiz segment, where pupils showcased their knowledge and understanding of climate change-related topics. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the participants demonstrated their expertise. St. Francis School from Newton emerged as the winner, impressing the judges with their comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Holy Family School at Calaba town secured the second position, closely followed by St. Benedict School from Low Cost community in third place. Simultaneously, the Art Work Competition took place, allowing pupils to express their creativity and convey powerful messages through their artwork. The hall transformed into an exhibition space, adorned with vibrant and thought-provoking creations. Werner Holzer from Allen Town, from a talented young artist, claimed the first position with his captivating artwork that depicted the fragile state of our planet and the urgent need for collective action. We Yone Primary School from Kroo Bay community secured the second position with their visually striking piece, while Withernsea Int. Jr. Secondary School from Grafton thoughtfully crafted artwork earned them the third position. The top three schools for both the quiz and Art competition were awarded certificates of merit and cash prizes. The school administrations are expected to use this money to buy equipment that will help reduce the impact of climate change in their schools. All the pupils that participated were also awarded certificates of participation for their outstanding performances. Following the competition, the organizers arranged for the best debaters from each school to visit a local radio station (Epic Radio 99.3). This platform provided them with an opportunity to discuss the event and how it had transformed their lives. The pupils passionately shared their newfound knowledge about climate change and the importance of taking immediate action to mitigate its effects. Their articulate speeches and heartfelt stories captivated the listeners, inspiring them to join the cause and work towards a sustainable future. The Inter-School Climate Change Awareness Raising Quiz and Art Work Competition proved to be a resounding success in fostering awareness and engaging the younger generation in the fight against climate change. The event not only showcased the talent and intelligence of the participating students but also instilled in them a sense of responsibility towards the environment. It was a day that would be remembered as a turning point in their lives, as they left the event with a renewed dedication to protecting our planet and spreading climate change awareness in their communities and beyond.
November 2023, concluded A 2 days… the Caritas Freetown Enhances Safeguarding Commitment with Training
By: Caritas Media Caritas Freetown, with support from the Civil Peace Service Agiamondo concluded a two days session 16th-17th November 2023 on Safeguarding Refresher Training at the Pope John Paul Pastoral Centre Syke St. for its staff. The aim of the Refresher training was to reinforce the organisation’s safeguarding policy and best practices. In recognition of the vital role safeguarding plays in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals in its programs, Caritas Freetown conducted the training for both existing and new staff members. The initiative focused on equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and address safeguarding concerns effectively. The Safeguarding Refresher Training covered a spectrum of topics, including recognizing signs of abuse, handling disclosures, reporting mechanisms, referral pathways, bullying, and the significance of maintaining confidentiality. Participants actively engaged in discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Facilitated by Mrs. Grace Jones, Safeguarding Focal Person of Caritas Freetown, and Hassan John Sapateh, Local Leadership, Partnership, and Capacity Strengthening Coordinator at CRS. the training also included group activities. Participants were organized into groups to create safeguarding messages for their respective communities, emphasizing practical application. Furthermore, the participants underwent a short quiz to evaluate their understanding of the training content and assess their ability to apply the knowledge gained in real-life situations. The facilitators directed the training toward ensuring that the safeguarding policy, service providers’ clauses, and safe recruitment practices among others were thoroughly understood and adhered to. As a conclusion to the two-day session, participants conducted an online evaluation, allowing facilitators to gauge the progress made. Mrs. Grace Jones expressed gratitude to sponsors CPS Agiamondo for funding the training and acknowledged CRS for their valuable technical support. She also commended the participants for their unwavering commitment throughout the training session. Caritas Freetown’s Safeguarding Refresher Training stands as a testament to its dedication to maintaining the highest standards in safeguarding, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of its staff and the communities it serves.
Caritas Freetown Honored for Outstanding Performance in Development in Sierra Leone 2023
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Caritas Freetown, a prominent humanitarian organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of the vulnerable and marginalized, has been recognized and honored for its exceptional performance in development. The prestigious award, bestowed upon Caritas Freetown for its outstanding contributions to the betterment of society, serves as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment and the collective efforts of its dedicated staff, development partners, the Archdiocese of Freetown, and the unwavering support of family and friends. The remarkable achievement of Caritas Freetown would not have been possible without the steadfast support, cooperation, collaboration, and partnership of the countless individuals and organizations involved. Their collective efforts have played a pivotal role in enabling the organization to receive this well-deserved recognition. The organizers responsible for bestowing this esteemed award have been commended for their discernment in acknowledging the exemplary service provided by Caritas Freetown, particularly to those who are vulnerable and marginalized. This recognition underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of the most disadvantaged members of society. Caritas Freetown, driven by its mission to provide assistance, care, and empowerment, has consistently exemplified its dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families in need. Through a multitude of projects and initiatives, the organization has strived to alleviate suffering and foster hope, dignity, and a brighter future for those facing challenging circumstances. The exceptional staff members of Caritas Freetown, known for their unwavering passion, tireless efforts, and selflessness, have been the driving force behind the organization’s success. Their relentless commitment to the mission of Caritas Freetown has brought about significant positive change in countless lives. The award serves as a resounding acknowledgment of their hard work and unwavering dedication to serving others. Caritas Freetown’s development partners, recognized for their invaluable collaboration, generosity, and support, have played an instrumental role in the organization’s achievements. Their commitment to working hand-in-hand with Caritas Freetown has facilitated the expansion of programs, extended reach into more communities, and ensured sustainable impact. This award is a testament to the power of effective partnerships in creating transformative change. The support and guidance of the Archdiocese of Freetown have been integral to Caritas Freetown’s success. The spiritual nourishment, encouragement, and wisdom provided by the Archdiocese have strengthened the organization’s resolve, inspiring them to pursue their mission with unwavering determination. The shared vision for a more compassionate and inclusive society has been a driving force in their endeavors. In addition, the family and friends of Caritas Freetown have been a pillar of support throughout the organization’s journey. Their unwavering love, understanding, and belief in the mission of Caritas Freetown have provided a constant source of strength and motivation. The award serves as a recognition of their unwavering support and a celebration of their integral role in the organization’s success. As Caritas Freetown celebrates this remarkable recognition, they remain steadfast in their commitment to continue the journey towards social justice and development. The award serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done to create a more equitable and compassionate society.
Caritas Celebrations of All Saints’ Day
The Christian festival of All Saints’ Day is rooted in the belief that there exists a spiritual connection between the heavenly realm and the earthly realm. Within the Catholic tradition, this holiday serves as a tribute to all those who have departed and entered the Kingdom of Heaven. All Saints’ Day serves as a means to express deep gratitude to God for the lives and deaths of His saints, encompassing both the widely recognized figures and those who may be less well-known. The Solemnity of All Saints is observed on the first of November. Its establishment was intended to pay homage to all the saints, both those who are acknowledged and those who remain anonymous. Pope Urban IV introduced this observance as a way to address any potential inadequacies in the faithful’s commemoration of saints’ feast days throughout the year.