Caritas Freetown has welcomed representatives of Fundación MAGA from Spain during a visit to projects supported by the organisation, including the Casa Leone Hospitality Training Centre in Bureh Town and the Caritas Freetown Soup Kitchen Initiative.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Fundación MAGA delegation to engage with Caritas Freetown and observe the impact of the initiatives they support, particularly in empowering young people through skills development.
Speaking during the visit, Javier Muriel of Fundación MAGA described Casa Leone as a long-term project aimed at developing hospitality education in Sierra Leone.
Muriel explained that Fundación MAGA believes education is the first step towards changing the world, adding that hospitality education is one of the areas through which meaningful change can be achieved.
“Casa Leone is a long-term project, and we believe in giving access to those who need it and providing professional education to young people in vulnerable situations. This can be life-changing for them,” Muriel stated.
The Casa Leone Hospitality Training Centre provides young people with access to professional and practical training in hospitality, equipping them with skills that can improve their employment prospects and create pathways towards sustainable livelihoods.
Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, thanked the Fundación MAGA delegates for their continued contribution towards Casa Leone and their support for initiatives addressing the needs of vulnerable people.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities for young people and supporting communities facing social and economic challenges. As a gesture of appreciation, Rev. Fr. Konteh presented the visiting delegates with a token of appreciation on behalf of Caritas Freetown.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Caritas Freetown and Fundación MAGA to investing in people through education, skills development and humanitarian assistance. Through the continued partnership, Casa Leone remains an important platform for empowering young people with professional skills and helping them build more sustainable futures.
