Nurturing Resilience: Kindermissioswerk’s Impact on Vulnerable Children during COVID-19 in Sierra Leone
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra Leone, children facing adversity encountered a significant challenge: the sudden disruption of their education. For children with special needs and orphans already struggling with life’s hardships, remote learning proved to be an insurmountable hurdle. Grafton, a community in Freetown, witnessed the profound suffering of these children. In response, the Caritas Freetown’s Development Office, with support from Kindermissioswerk, initiated the “Educational Sponsorship for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Affected by COVID-19 in Freetown’s Western Rural District.” This project provided essential psychosocial, educational, and medical support to 150 children, tracking their academic progress. Gesine Henrichmann from Kindermissioswerk in Aachen, Germany visited the Grafton community to witness the impact of the project. The one-year initiative benefited 150 COVID-19 orphans and vulnerable children in the Western Area Urban and Rural regions, providing educational, medical, and psychosocial support to help them return to school and alleviate trauma and stigmatization. During her visit, Gesine was greeted by children dressed in their school uniforms, showcasing their cultural heritage through dance. The children and community stakeholders expressed their gratitude with handmade cards. Gesine interacted with beneficiaries, hearing their touching testimonies and the transformative impact of the educational sponsorships. Mariama Turay, a grateful recipient of the project, shared her story of almost dropping out of school after losing relatives to COVID-19. She expressed her joy and gratitude for the support that enabled her to continue her education and thrive. As the day came to a close, Gesine visited a children’s home in the Number 2 River Community, where the children’s happiness reflected the positive impact of Gesine and Kindermissioswerk. Let us celebrate the power of compassion and support for children in need.
Praying for Sierra Leone ( National political Dialogue)
Dear Divine Creator, We come before you today with open hearts and minds, seeking your guidance and blessings as our beloved country engages in a dialogue for national unity. We recognize the importance of this endeavor and the impact it can have on the lives of every citizen. We pray for all those involved in this national duty, especially our politicians and leaders. May they set aside their personal interests and agendas, and instead be driven by a genuine desire to serve the greater good of our country. Grant them wisdom, empathy, and humility as they navigate these discussions and decisions. Please instill in each participant a deep understanding that unity and inclusivity are essential for the progress and well-being of our nation. Help them recognize the value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background. May they actively seek out and listen to the voices of the poorest among us, understanding that their perspectives are vital and can shed light on the most pressing issues we face as a society. As we reflect upon our own roles as citizens, inspire us to contribute to the unity and well-being of our country. May we exhibit selflessness, placing the collective good before our personal interests. Guide us in our interactions with one another, reminding us to treat each person with kindness, compassion, and respect. Divine Creator, we place our hopes and aspirations in your hands. May this dialogue and search for understanding be fruitful, leading to tangible solutions that promote justice, equality, and harmony among our people. May our country thrive as a result of our collective efforts to build a society where no one is left behind. We offer these prayers and reflections with hearts full of hope and faith, trusting in your infinite wisdom and love. Amen. Fr PeterCaritas Freetown- Justice and Peace
Caritas Freetown and Christ King Hospital Honor Spanish Doctors as Medical Mission Concludes on National Day of Spain
Freetown, October 12 . 2023 – Caritas Freetown, a humanitarian organization, and the dedicated medical staff at Christ King Hospital bid a heartfelt farewell to a team of doctors from Malaga, Spain, as their medical mission in Sierra Leone officially came to a close on Friday, October 13. Coinciding with this bittersweet moment was the celebration of the National Day of Spain, also known as the Día de la Hispanidad. The team of Spanish doctors arrived in Sierra Leone earlier this month as part of a joint effort between Caritas Freetown and Christ King Hospital to provide much-needed medical assistance to underserved communities in the region. Over the course of their mission, the doctors worked tirelessly, treating patients, performing surgeries, and training local medical staff to enhance their skills and knowledge. The farewell ceremony, held at Christ King Hospital, was filled with mixed emotions as representatives from Caritas Freetown and hospital staff expressed their gratitude to the Spanish doctors for their dedication, expertise, and selflessness. The doctors, in turn, shared their experiences and heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception they received from the Sierra Leonean community. the team leader, spoke passionately about their mission, stating, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of Sierra Leone alongside our incredible local colleagues. We have witnessed both the challenges and the resilience of this community, and we leave with a profound sense of fulfillment knowing that we have made a positive impact on so many lives.” Caritas Freetown, a prominent non-governmental organization focused on poverty alleviation and humanitarian aid, expressed their deep appreciation for the collaboration with the Spanish doctors. Reverend Fr Peter A Konteh , Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, emphasized the significance of their partnership, saying, “The presence of the Spanish doctors has been transformative for our medical facilities and the communities we serve. Their expertise and compassion have brought hope and healing to those in need.” As the farewell ceremony coincided with the National Day of Spain, the event took on an even more festive atmosphere. The National Day of Spain, celebrated annually on October 12, commemorates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. It is a day that emphasizes the cultural heritage and unity of the Spanish-speaking world, often referred to as the Día de la Hispanidad. With the conclusion of the medical mission and the joyous celebration of the National Day of Spain, this day marked a significant milestone for both Caritas Freetown and Christ King Hospital. The collaboration between the Spanish doctors and local medical professionals has not only improved the healthcare system in Sierra Leone but has also fostered a lasting bond between the two countries. As the Spanish doctors bid farewell to the grateful community, their departure leaves a lasting legacy of compassion and solidarity. The impact of their work will continue to be felt long after their departure, serving as a reminder of the power of international cooperation in addressing global healthcare challenges.
Empowering Girls: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
Girls have been marginalized for generations, and it’s time to change that. In commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, in collaboration with Civil Peace Service and Trocaire, organized a community sensitization event under the theme “Our Time is Now-Our Right, Our Future.” This event aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by girls and create an action plan for change. “It takes a society to build up a child,” said a teacher, encapsulating the essence of the event. During this gathering, various stakeholders, including school girls, religious leaders, community members, teachers, and social workers, discussed the discrimination faced by girls and how to promote their equal rights. Paul Abraham Mansaray, representing the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, emphasized the importance of addressing violence against girls and urged parents to collaborate with the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit. Tobias Max Grosse, the representative of Civil Peace Service, highlighted the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the vulnerability of girls and the need for support. Aminata Onikek Koroma, a young participant, shared her experiences, revealing the lack of attention from parents. This event’s stakeholders and dignitaries created an action plan to provide equal opportunities for girls. It’s a collective effort to fight discrimination against the girl child, with a dream of a world where girls have the same opportunities as boys, where they reach for the sky without fear, and where communities support them, creating a world free from fear and violence. “Empowering Girls: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures” showcases the power of unity and determination in creating a better future for girls.
Spanish Doctors in Sierra Leone: Transforming Lives Through Surgical Care” in partnership with Caritas Freetown
The Spanish doctors from Malaga have been working tirelessly to provide much-needed surgical services in Sierra Leone. Since their arrival in partnership with ACISS and Caritas Freetown, they have already performed over 55 surgeries at Christ The King Hospital in Waterloo. The impact of their work can be seen through the happiness and gratitude of the patients who have benefited from these surgeries. These individuals are eager to share their testimonies and express their deep appreciation for the Spanish doctors’ expertise and care from Christ the King Hospital. The collaboration between the Spanish doctors and local organizations like ACISS and Caritas Freetown has been vital in improving the healthcare system in Sierra Leone. Through their dedication and skill, they have been able to help countless Sierra Leoneans who are in need of surgical services. We salute the Spanish doctors from Malaga for their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Their selflessness and compassion serve as an inspiration to us all. HealthcareHeroes #MakingADifference #SierraLeoneStrong FromMalagatoFreetown
Caritas Freetown SGBV Project Strengthens Partnership with Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit (FSU) to Combat SGBV
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a distressing issue, particularly affecting women and girls in vulnerable communities. In the relentless pursuit of justice and safety, Caritas Freetown’s SGBV Project has been making significant strides by collaborating closely with SGBV survivors and relevant authorities actively working to address the scourge of SGBV. “In the face of SGBV, silence is not an option. We must stand together to protect the vulnerable women and girls,” emphasizes Kumba Gando, the Team Lead of the SGBV Project. To fortify this crucial partnership and enhance the collective effort against SGBV, today, the Caritas Freetown SGBV Project continues to extend its support to the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit (FSU). Essential stationery items including cartons of A4 paper and box of pens were provided to 10 police stations’ FSU units in Western Area Rural. Notably, this distribution is done underlining the project’s commitment to empowering the Family Support Units responsible for combating SGBV. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Allieu Jalloh, the Officer Commanding (OC) Newton Police Post, expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the SGBV Project. He acknowledged the impact of the quarterly training sessions conducted by Caritas Freetown, which have significantly enhanced the capacity of the FSU personnel to properly handle SGBV cases. “The SGBV Project has been conducting training us, which has greatly contributed to the development of our human resource capacity in handling SGBV cases,” stated ASP Allieu Jalloh. Furthermore, Sheriff L. Bah, an Outreach Officer of the Caritas Freetown SGBV Project Team, highlighted the importance of data collection from the various FSU units to monitor the trends in which SGBV cases are happening to assess the effectiveness of the project awareness-raising sensitization efforts. It also plays a crucial role in ensuring that victims receive the justice they rightfully deserve. Through these collaborative efforts, Caritas Freetown and the Sierra Leone Police FSU Division are working tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of SGBV and its profound consequences. The goal is to reach more communities, sensitize more individuals, and ultimately create a safer environment for all.
Caritas Freetown’s SGBV Project Educates Men and Boys on Gender-Based Violence
“Empowerment begins with the eradication of sexual and gender-based violence against women” Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) continues to be a pressing issue, but a ray of hope shines through Caritas Freetown’s SGBV Project, with support from Manos Unidas. In a concerted effort to mitigate SGBV, the project team continued its quarterly community engagements aimed at educating men and boys on Gender-Based Violence, referral pathways, the crucial role of men and boys in reducing GBV, and essential sensitization skills. This transformative initiative was held on Thursday, the 28th of September 2023, at the Makorbeh Community in the Western Area Rural District. A total of 180 participants from the 20 targeted communities attended the engagement. Kumba E. Gando, the Team Lead of the Caritas Freetown SGBV Project, delivered an insightful overview of the project, highlighting the deliberate focus on men and boys due to their significant role as perpetrators of violence against women and girls. She emphasized the engagement’s importance in addressing all forms of violence against women and girls, underscoring collaborative efforts with institutions such as the Sierra Leone Police, Rainbo Initiative, and Don Bosco to ensure project success. Mr. Andrew Kponeh, the lead facilitator provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of SGBV, elucidating the relevant laws, including the Gender Laws, Child Rights, and Sexual Offense Act. He underscored the consequences of violating these laws, emphasizing that “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” Mr. Kponeh also made clear distinctions between rape and sexual penetration, offering practical examples and outlining the associated fines and jail terms for these crimes.He passionately urged the men and boys to abstain from all forms of violence against women, reminding them of the legal safeguards in place to protect women’s rights. Sheriff L. Bah, an outreach officer of the SGBV Project, engaged participants in discussions about the differences between gender (society-assigned roles for males and females) and sex (biological distinctions) and cited contemporary examples to aid their comprehension.He elucidated the roles that men and boys should play in mitigating SGBV and encouraged them to follow proper referral pathways when dealing with SGBV cases. Alex M. Sesay, a teacher residing in the Makorbeh Community expressed his gratitude for participating in the engagement. He stated, “I have learned a lot about sexual penetration, rape, and gender-based violence.” Sesay emphasized that this engagement served as an eye-opener, revealing the many misconceptions surrounding the treatment of women and girls. As a teacher, he embraced the responsibility of passing on this newfound knowledge to his students and their parents. In the ongoing battle against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, initiatives like Caritas Freetown’s SGBV Project are lighting the way forward. By educating men and boys and fostering a community that respects and values the rights of women and girls, steps are being taken to create a safer and more equitable society for all.
Caritas Germany and Caritas Freetown Transform Lives in Sierra Leone with Humanitarian Initiatives
“Caritas has done a great work for us. In the past, we use to ease ourselves in plastics and throw it away, but now we have toilets.” – Hawa Sesay, Financial Secretary of Culvert Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) In a remarkable display of humanitarian commitment, the Caritas Freetown Disaster Risk Reduction management Project, generously funded by Caritas Germany, is bringing positive change to the lives of residents in slum, deprived, and hilltop communities in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The project’s focus lies in mitigating disasters like flooding by addressing root causes and improving sanitation in these vulnerable communities. Representatives from Caritas Germany, alongside Caritas Freetown staff, conducted a monitoring visit on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, to Culvert and Moyiba communities. These areas have witnessed significant improvements thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Disaster Risk Reduction management Project team. The purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of these activities on the communities and ensure the sustainable maintenance of boreholes and toilets. Supported by Caritas Germany, the Disaster Risk Reduction management Project Team has successfully constructed two boreholes and nine toilets, including three for community schools and six for the community at large in Culvert Community. Before these interventions, Culvert, a slum community prone to flooding, faced water scarcity and lacked proper toilet facilities. Children had to return home to drink water during school hours. The improper disposal of human waste, including the use of hanging toilets, contributed to unsanitary conditions and the spread of diseases. Hawa Sesay, the Financial Secretary of the Culvert Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC), expressed her gratitude, saying, “Caritas has done a great work for us. In the past, we used to ease ourselves in plastics and throw them away, but now we have toilets.” She also praised Caritas Freetown for distributing sanitizers in community schools, contributing significantly to community wellness. In a bid to manage plastic waste, the Disaster Risk Reduction management Project team initiated plastic recycling, turning it into floor tiles. This does not only clean up the community but also serve as a livelihood for the CDMCs who are the direct beneficiaries for this initiative and protects the environmental sanitation. To address the root causes of flooding in slum communities like Culvert and Susan’s Bay, and combat climate change issues, tree planting initiatives were launched in both Moyiba and Leicester Communities. A survey by the team revealed that activities such as tree cutting for housing, charcoal production, and deforestation by hilltop communities exacerbated climate change and soil erosion. The Disaster Risk Reduction management Project team planted four thousand trees, including Orange, mango, avocado, tamarind, and others in both Moyiba and Leicester communities. These trees are expected to mitigate the effects of flooding and other environmental hazards faced by Culvert and Susan’s Bay communities. Residents were elated with the tree planting efforts and acknowledged the importance of trees, especially during the dry season. One Moyiba resident stated, “The trees are beneficial to us, and we will look after them because when they bear fruit, we’ll be able to sell it and cater for our children’s education.” This comprehensive and selfless initiative by Caritas Germany and Caritas Freetown exemplifies the profound impact humanitarian efforts can have on vulnerable communities, transforming lives and safeguarding the environment. The project continues to be a beacon of hope for those it serves, inspiring a brighter and more sustainable future.
Caritas Nutrition Project Combating Malnutrition in Young Children
In a remarkable humanitarian effort, the Caritas Freetown Nutrition Project, generously sponsored by Caritas Germany, has been making significant strides in the battle against malnutrition. This initiative is targeting fifteen communities in the Western Area Rural and Urban districts, with the primary goal of identifying, registering and treating malnourished children while educating their lactating mothers. Moreover, it empowers mothers with knowledge on preparing the vital High Protein Diet (HPD) Bennie Mix food, essential for the healthy growth of their children. Recently, a delegation comprising representatives from Caritas Germany and dedicated Caritas Freetown staff conducted a monitoring visit to two communities, Allen Town and Tombo, both of which have witnessed substantial improvements due to the nutrition project. In these fragile communities, high infant mortality rates were once a harsh reality, exacerbated by a lack of proper nutrition education for newborns. Michael K. Bangura, a Community Chief Caritas Allen Town community, shared his perspective on life before the project’s initiation, stating, “We used to have a lot of infant mortality, and most of the children who died were malnourished. It was at that point we realized the need for therapeutic intervention, and it was during that time this project came.” He continued by emphasizing the transformative impact the project has had, not only reducing infant mortality but also visibly improving the health of babies. Michael highlighted the project’s role in empowering women with essential nutritional knowledge, which they, in turn, pass on to others in their communities. Fatmata Kargbo, the Community Chairlady of the production process in Tombo Community, expressed her profound gratitude to both Caritas Freetown and Caritas Germany for their unwavering support. She shared, “I’m grateful to be part of this initiative because all three of my children have benefited from it.” Fatmata stressed the happiness among the mothers of beneficiaries, as the project contributes to the robust and healthy growth of their infants. Mariatu, echoing this sentiment, added, “We hope this project continues because things are expensive, and we get all the ingredients free of charge.” Remarkably, the Nutrition Project has positively impacted approximately four hundred and ninety-five babies for 2022 to 2023 year under review, saving lives and instilling hope in mothers for the healthy futures of their children, especially in these challenging times. In conclusion, the Caritas Freetown Nutrition Project, supported by Caritas Germany, stands as a shining example of humanitarian collaboration, bringing tangible improvements to vulnerable communities and nurturing a brighter future for the youngest among us. This initiative is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge and collective effort in the fight against malnutrition.
Police and Youth Dialogue Session Caritas engage Police and Youth Dialogue on Electoral Process and Non-Violence
Caritas Freetown, with support from Trocaire, AGIAMONDO, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development and Ziviler Friendensdienst Civil Peace Service celebrates International Day of Peace 2022. As we celebrate the International Day of Peace with theme: “Stop Election Violence, Build Peace”, Caritas Freetown, with support from Trocaire, AGIAMONDO, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development and Ziviler Friendensdienst Civil Peace Service, has on the 20th September, 2022 organized a one- day Police and Youth Dialogue Session, targeting personnel of the Sierra Leone Police, Youth Affairs, Political Parties Representative, Bike Riders and Journalist. The event took place at Kondi Hall, Yam’s Farm in the Western Rural District. The relationship between Police Officers and Youths have been strained throughout the years. But this was how many young people in Sierra Leone felt when the relationship between police and the youth were at their lowest point, especially during the August 10 accident that took place in some part of the country which led to the destruction of properties and loss of innocent lives. As the appeals from young people to intervene grew, the consortium of five NGOs worked to broker a truce between young people and the police by celebrating the International Day of Peace 2022 with a one-day dialogue between the Police and youths in Sierra Leone. Young people were saying they were always suspects. They are often harassed by the police, arrested and being rounded up and put behind bars when reporting crime, instead of being listened to. Stories like these were the catalyst for change. A baseline study in the past years had showed that police harassment of young people, between 18 and 35, was one of the drivers for violent extremism in the country based on their approach. Mohamed Turay, Chairman of the Bike Riders Association East said one of the causes of conflict between the parties is that the Police Officers see the Youths as a threat, emphasizing that as riders, they suffer too much harassment from the Police. He further stated that “Young people were being rounded up from their bikes, which has led to so many accidents or just for being in groups in their community.”