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.
Tzu Chi Foundation Leads Community Cleaning Initiative to Combat Flooding in Kroo Bay
In an ongoing effort to combat persistent flooding in Kroo Bay, the Tzu Chi Foundation spearheaded a community cleaning initiative on Saturday, February 24th, 2024. Kroo Bay, known for its struggles with flooding, faces challenges exacerbated by excessive garbage dumped by inhabitants and neighboring hilltop communities. The initiative, a proactive response to the recurring issue, saw the provision of cleaning equipment to residents, empowering them to take ownership of their environment and prevent future flooding. Margret Bassie, the Representative of Tzu Chi Foundation in Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of community involvement in flood mitigation efforts, highlighting Kroo Bay as a pilot phase for the foundation’s initiatives. Last August, the Tzu Chi Foundation, in collaboration with Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation, and Caritas Freetown, conducted a flood mitigation exercise in Kroo Bay. The recent community cleaning initiative serves as a continuation of these efforts, aiming to create a cleaner and safer environment for residents. Chief Mary Kamara, a stakeholder in Kroo Bay Community, expressed gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation for their continuous support. She acknowledged the abundance of garbage in the community and emphasized the significance of the cleaning exercise in promoting rest and overall well-being among residents. Margret Bassie emphasized the importance of community ownership in sustaining the impact of flood mitigation efforts. By empowering residents to maintain a clean and healthy environment, the initiative seeks to foster resilience and pave the way for development in Kroo Bay Community. In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the Tzu Chi Foundation and other organizations reflect a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and promoting community resilience in Kroo Bay. Through community-driven initiatives like the recent cleaning exercise, stakeholders aim to mitigate flooding and create a safer, healthier environment for all inhabitants.
Caritas Freetown and Caritas National Office: Creating and Strengthening Collaborative Efforts with World Vision.
On Monday 26th February Executive Director Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, staff from the Caritas Freetown and Caritas National Office team met with National Director of World Vision Sagane Thiaw for a formal meeting discussion surrounding collaborative efforts in key humanitarian focus areas in the Western Area and Rural Districts of Freetown. A discussion surrounding efforts for the call to the most vulnerable specifically the child and youth demographics within these target areas. World Vision is a global humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice, operating in over 100 countries including Sierra Leone. With a primary focus on Rural Districts in Freetown, Mr. Sagane Thiaw expressed optimism in hope of effective cohesion with Caritas Freetown on ways the two organisations can effectively partner through the integration of our integral faith-based values. Ishmael Alfred Charles, Programs Manager at Caritas Freetown provided a seamless overview of the key themes rooted in Caritas’ development programs, projects and initiatives that we cover in Western Area and Rural districts of Freetown to showcase similarities in humanitarian practices that also reflects World Visions’. This includes, Health and Sanitation, SGBV, Gender and Equity, Climate Change and Sustainable Practices, Disaster Risk Management, Education, Nutrition, Peacekeeping Initiatives and much more. Ishmael Alfred Charles expressed high enthusiasm in the hopes for collaboration amongst both project development teams to integrate and learn from both organisations’ practices. National Director Mr. Sagane Thiaw highlighted key themes integral to World Visions’ development practices surrounding the areas such as Child Sponsorship, Health and Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Education, Livelihood and Economic Development and Disaster Response. Mr. Sagane Thiaw expressed high interest in collaborating with Caritas Freetown, one of the major areas to incorporate Sustainable Practices and Climate Change, this includes seeking to collaborate with schools supervised under the Caritas organisation to initiate the children and youth to get involved in tree planting and waste management initiatives, educating the future generation of Sierra Leoneans to lead the call-in combating climate change. Overall, World Vision Caritas Freetown and Caritas National Office will play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of children and families in the Western Area and Rural Districts, working towards a future where all individuals can reach their full potential and thrive.
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.