ECOWAS Volunteers Conclude Relief Efforts for Orphanages in Sierra Leone on 49th Anniversary.
Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 7, 2024
On Friday, June 7,2024, the ECOWAS Volunteer Program concluded a significant relief initiative aimed at supporting orphanages across Sierra Leone. This effort marked the celebration of the 49th anniversary of ECOWAS Day, demonstrating the program’s dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children in the country.
Led by Country Coordinator Preaches Gbessagee and Administrative Officer Mohamed Jalloh, ECOWAS volunteers distributed food items and essential supplies to various orphanages, providing much-needed support to the children.
Gbessagee emphasized the importance of addressing the basic needs of the orphanages. “By providing food and clean water, we ensure that the children have access to fundamental necessities,” he said. “Our goal is to improve their physical health and general well-being through wholesome meals and clean drinking water.”
He also highlighted the significance of building relationships with the children. “Frequent visits from volunteers foster deep ties with the residents, offering companionship and emotional support,” he noted. “It’s crucial to spread awareness about the challenges faced by orphanages and the importance of helping at-risk local children.”
Moreover, Gbessagee underscored the need for educational support. “We aim to promote the children’s intellectual growth by providing educational resources and assistance,” he stated. “Supporting their education is essential for their future development.”
Mary Rose Mariama Mboyawa, Director of Mahanaim Disabled Orphanage, expressed her gratitude upon receiving the items. “We are deeply thankful to the ECOWAS volunteers for their support,” she said. “These items will significantly address the children’s needs and will serve them for a long time.” She also called on other goodwill organizations to follow ECOWAS’s example and support such homes.
The relief efforts extended to orphanages in Bombali, Kenema, Moyamba, and Bo Districts. Volunteers in these districts visited local orphanages, providing items such as rice, diapers, noodles, clothing, slippers, face caps, wristwatches, earrings, hair bands, sanitary pads, vests, beans, garri, spaghetti, rechargeable flashlights, yams, salt, and tomatoes. The orphanages visited included the Grace Foundation Orphanage in Kenema, Children of Promise Orphanage in Makeni, Bombali District, and the Paul School for the Blind and Rehabilitation Center in Bo, Commit and Act Orphanage home in Bo, as well as the PEARL DUDEK Center for Children’s Orphanage (PDCFC) in Koidu City, Kono District.
Mohamed Jalloh highlighted the volunteers’ dedication to community welfare. “The commitment of ECOWAS volunteers to supporting orphanages across Sierra Leone is a testament to their dedication to community welfare,” he said. “Their efforts not only meet immediate needs but also encourage broader community involvement in caring for vulnerable children.”
This initiative by the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme exemplifies their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of marginalized children and promoting a culture of compassion and support throughout Sierra Leone.