Celebrating Excellence in Service and Youth Empowerment!
Caritas Freetown was honored with a prestigious award from the Sierra Leone Association of NGOs (#SLANGO). This recognition underscores our commitment and significant contributions to empowering the youth sector in Sierra Leone. The award, endorsed by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, was presented by Madam Melrose Karminty, the Minister of Social Welfare, during a meaningful ceremony attended by numerous NGOs, government officials, and diplomats. Together, we are dedicated to empowering young people, upholding their dignity, and educating them about their rights and responsibilities. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports our mission! 💪✨ CaritasFreetown #YouthEmpowerment #SLANGO #SocialWelfare #TogetherWeRise
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.
Hot Meal Program Concludes in Susan’s Bay Community
The Partnership to Serve Humanity Consortium, comprising the Tzu Chi Foundation, Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation, and Caritas Freetown, successfully completed a 21-day hot meal program on Sunday, June 2, 2024. This second phase, an extension of the original program, began on Monday, May 27, 2024, and provided food for approximately 1575 individuals and 320 households in the Susan’s Bay community. Initially planned as a 14-day initiative, the program was extended due to appeals from beneficiaries. Ishmeal Alfred Charles, the Programs Manager of Caritas Freetown and the in-country Manager of Healey International Relief Foundation, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and all participants for their dedication to serving humanity and making the world a better place. He informed the beneficiaries that the team would return the following week to distribute items to the affected households. Mr. Charles clearly stated that only those who were part of the registration process during the hot meal program would benefit from the upcoming distribution, with the exact date to be communicated soon. Musa K. Bangura, a resident of Susan’s Bay and father of four young children, expressed his sadness as the hot meal program concluded. “The impact of the hot meal program is invaluable, especially for us who have lost everything in the fire and have children to feed,” he said. Bangura shared that his family has been surviving on the food provided by the program, allowing him to allocate his limited resources to other pressing needs. “The intervention was timely, and because we have been receiving food, I’ve been able to save some money for my children’s health and education,” he added. He thanked the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners for their support, hoping they continue to spread love and restore the dignity of humanity. The successful completion of the 21-day hot meal program highlights the crucial role of coordinated humanitarian efforts in times of crisis. With plans for further support in the coming weeks, the consortium reaffirms its commitment to aiding the fire-affected residents of Susan’s Bay.
14-Day Hot Meal Program Wraps Up in Susan’s Bay Community
The Partnership to Serve Humanity Consortium, comprising the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners, that is, Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation, and Caritas Freetown, has successfully completed a 14-day hot meal program on Sunday, May 26, 2024. This initiative provided food for over 1500 individuals and 320 households in the Susan’s Bay community. Launched on Monday, May 13, 2024, the program aimed to alleviate the immediate suffering of individuals affected by the fire incident on May 2, 2024, in Susan’s Bay. Ishmeal Alfred Charles, the Programs Manager of Caritas Freetown and the in-country Manager of Healey International Relief Foundation, announced the official end of the hot meal program. He noted that, due to the appeals from beneficiaries for an extension, the sponsors are considering the possibility of continuing the program. He expressed gratitude to everyone involved, particularly the Tzu Chi Foundation, for making the program a success. Annet Adama Kamara, Chairlady of Susan’s Bay Community and Slum Dwellers with Disability, conveyed her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners. She shared her feelings about the program’s conclusion, saying, “We have been struggling since the fire incident; it really breaks my heart that you’re leaving because I have so many mouths to feed.” She added, “Since you came, you have wiped away our tears, and for that, we are grateful.” Highlighting the economic situation in the country, she pleaded for the continuation of the hot meal program, explaining how it has provided essential support for her family. The successful conclusion of the 14-day hot meal program underscores the impact of coordinated humanitarian efforts in times of crisis. As the consortium considers extending the program, the community of Susan’s Bay remains hopeful for continued support to help them rebuild their lives.
Monkey Bush Youth and Young Women’s Group Hosted Jelena Zelenovic, United Nations Peace Building Fund Programs Manager
Youth and Young Women’s Group in Monkey Bush, one of the project’s targeted, communities in the Western Area Rural, hosted Jelena Zelenovic, Programs Manager at the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. The purpose of her visit was to meet with the youth, women’s groups, stakeholders, and community members to hear about the project’s impact and its contribution to peaceful social cohesion. She began by expressing gratitude to the community for their warm welcome. Zelenovic highlighted that the UNPBF has been operating in Sierra Leone since 2008, collaborating with various NGOs including Caritas Sierra Leone and CRS. She emphasized her commitment to working with Caritas and CRS to promote peace and development in different communities in Sierra Leone. She mentioned that she had come to visit to meet with the youth and women and hear their testimonies on how the project has positively impacted their lives in the community. The meeting brought together stakeholders, representatives from the inter-religious council, the police, and various community youth groups in Monkey Bush. Community members provided testimonies about the project’s impact. Mr. Idriss IT Kamara, who contested for a Member of Parliament under the APC, mentioned that before the project’s intervention, the Monkey Bush community was known for violence, especially before and after elections. People from different political parties viewed each other as enemies. He shared his story about reconciling with a friend from a different political party during a peace football match organized by Caritas Freetown and CRS under the Peacebuilding project. Chief Alimmamy, the headman, noted that before the project intervention, the youth lacked respect for their elders. Since the project’s implementation, he has observed a positive change in their behavior, with the youth showing more respect to the elders and actively seeking their support for community activities. Mr. Sesay, a community member, mentioned that due to his son’s participation in the Peaceful Masculinity program, his son has started taking on household responsibilities traditionally performed by women. Additionally, his son’s attitude towards women has transformed positively. Mr Suliaman Bah from the inter-religious council said that they have been working in collaboration with Caritas and CRS to organize peaceful events over the years. Recently, the inter-religious council organized a project for peace at Kenema, Bo and Portloko. He further stated that the religious leaders have also been engaging youth and young women, and they are participating in the promotion of peace not only in politics but also in every form or kind of election. He stated that the main goal now is to sensitize the youth to abstain from violence after elections. The visit provided a firsthand experience of the project’s achievements and demonstrated how the community members have taken ownership of it. Overall, the gathering facilitated meaningful dialogue and cooperation, strengthening the collective commitment to sustainable peacebuilding and social development. After the meeting with the community people, Jelena Zelenovic also meets with CRS and Caritas Sierra Leone Freetown staff at CRS Head office to discuss relevant issues surrounding the project. United Nations Peacebuilding YouthInPolitics Youngpeopleleadingtheway
Training of trainers workshop on Leadership and Peace Education
In a bid to put their newfound knowledge into action, young beneficiaries from Kolleh Town and Brookfields have taken up the mantle of training their peers following a rigorous two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop organized by Caritas Freetown. The workshop focused on Civic and Peace Education Training, aiming to equip participants with essential leadership skills and an understanding of civic responsibilities. Eliza Sillah, in providing an overview of the workshop, highlighted that the training encompassed leadership, civic education and peace-building concepts. Participants were furnished with a comprehensive manual to aid them in effectively disseminating the acquired knowledge to others in their communities. The primary objectives of the training included fostering an understanding of leadership dynamics, familiarizing participants with civic principles and elucidating the role of young people in democracy. She emphasized that the manual was meticulously crafted to guide Facilitators in conducting participatory workshops on leadership, civic education, and peace-building. Alisha Dumbuya, a Facilitator from the Brookfields Community, underscored the significance of imparting knowledge gained from the workshop to fellow youth. She noted that while their community had maintained peace, many lacked awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities, as well as criteria for selecting capable leaders. Similarly, Sama Pessima, another Facilitator from Kolleh Town, expressed optimism about spreading the acquired knowledge to a wider audience. He stressed the importance of empowering fellow youth with the skills necessary for constructive civic engagement. Alhaji Yellow Mansaray, a stakeholder from Brookfields, lauded the workshop for enlightening participants on leadership qualities and selection criteria. He pledged to serve as an ambassador, sharing the insights gained with others in the community. Mariatu Turay, a youth participant from Kolleh Town, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about rights, responsibilities, and leadership criteria. She commended her peers for their dedication and thanked Caritas Freetown for facilitating the transformative training. The training sessions culminated in group activities and presentations, demonstrating participants’ understanding and commitment. They lauded Caritas Freetown for the timely initiative and expressed hope for continued collaboration in the future.
Community Engagement in Makorbeh Community Empowers Men and Boys on how to Combat Gender-Based Violence
In a concerted effort to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a collaborative project titled “Strengthening Behavioral Change on SGBV Prevention; Promoting Access to Justice and Hygiene Education for Vulnerable Women and Girls in the Western Area Rural” convened an engaging session on April 19, 2024, in the Makorbeh community of Songo village, located in the Western Rural Area. In partnership with the Sierra Leone Police, Family Support Unit (FSU) and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, alongside support from Manos Unidas, the project aimed to raise awareness among men and boys regarding their crucial roles in combatting SGBV at the grassroots level. The session commenced with an overview of the project’s objectives and a recap of previous sessions, during which participants showcased their application of knowledge gained. The Ministry of Gender and Childern’s Affairs representative, Mr. Ahmed Turay, underscored the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, elucidating the ministry’s role in addressing SGBV issues, legal frameworks, available services, and referral pathways. Subsequently, the Caritas Freetown, Justice and Peace Commission facilitator, Mr. Andrew Kponeh, delved into discussions on challenging gender stereotypes and violence, fostering an interactive environment where participants posed questions, offered insights, and engaged with one another. The impact of community engagement was key as attendees expressed deep appreciation for the newfound awareness, pledging to uphold respect and love in their interactions with spouses and children. Community leaders and participants alike vowed to disseminate these essential messages to wider audiences, ensuring sustained progress in combating SGBV. In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of stakeholders underscored a significant step forward in empowering communities to tackle GBV effectively. By equipping men and boys with knowledge and fostering dialogue, initiatives like these are pivotal in fostering lasting behavioral change and promoting gender equality.
Caritas Sierra Leone Freetown, with funding from the UNPBF and in partnership with CRS, organized a two-day awareness raising session on April 11th and 12th, 2024.
Caritas Sierra Leone Freetown, with funding from the UNPBF and in partnership with CRS, organized a two-day awareness raising session on April 11th and 12th, 2024. The session took place at the Western Area Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo and aimed to educate 200 participants from various project groups. The objectives included informing participants about laws protecting women’s rights, available support services for abused or violated women, promoting gender equality and empowerment, encouraging reporting of violence against women, and creating a supportive environment for accessing resources. L.A.W.Y.E.R.S. facilitated the sessions, with co-facilitation from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, using their manual.
Caritas Freetown Celebrates the Graduation Ceremony and Distribution of Start-up Kits for young women and girls at the WAADO training centre
On Wednesday 20 March, we celebrated a highly esteemed occasion at Waterloo District Hall. Sponsored by Caritas Freetown, Mano Unidas and managed by WAADO, a community-based advocacy group that seeks to empower vulnerable groups such as youth, women, girls, street children, orphans, and the rural poor in the Waterloo community. We commemorated 25 female students with experience of SGBV and GBV-related matters, inhibiting their personal and educational development. Based in the Rural Urban District Waterloo, the students recently graduated from their skills training programme in Catering and Seamstress work – as a testament to their hard work Caritas Freetown has supplied the students with Start-Up kits to invigorate entrepreneurship and independence through their craftmanship. So far, this one-year project has positively impacted over 20 communities transforming and enhancing the lives of women and girls in vulnerable communities. Director of WAADO Doris Fatima Webber emphasised the importance of women’s entrepreneurship in women and girls in Sierra Leone she expressed, “This programme has been very impactful, as an advocacy group, we have rehabilitated women and girls to be modern ambassadors, for those vulnerable to attain essential skills to sustain themselves.” We received a testimonial from a Catering Graduate from the programme Mary K. Bangura who had an extensive journey reaching this point she expressed her gratitude for the transformational impact this project has had on her she stated “Before this programme, I was just passing the streets relying on men and my family to provide for me, I’m so thankful for Caritas for this opportunity, with this experience, I am going to use these skills to educate other girls to make an impact.” Here at Caritas Freetown, we celebrated International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Invest in Women Accelerate Progress’ not only on the 8 March but for the entire duration of the month, we as an organisation must raise awareness of these current issues that women and girls are facing in our society today and how we can combat these issues through the power of collaboration and cohesiveness with other organisation groups. Together, we can ensure that women and girls can build a better nation by equipping them with relevant knowledge and skills so that we can see a brighter tomorrow for our future leaders and changemakers.