Freetown, 24th October 2024 – Director of NGO Affairs at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Eric Massally, on Thursday, 24th October 2024, conducted an inspection tour of two key facilities: Don Bosco Fambul in Kerry Town and the Emergency Surgical and Paediatric Centre in Goderich. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the impact, efficiency, and challenges of these organizations’ ongoing projects, with a focus on aligning them with national development goals and ensuring accountability and transparency.

At Don Bosco Fambul, a local NGO dedicated to helping vulnerable minors and youth in Sierra Leone, Director Massally was received by Rev. Father Piotr, Director of the facility, and Samuel Thomas Bojohn, Head of Child Protection. The inspection centered on six major projects that include four shelters for boys and girls, a hospital, and a therapy center. Each of these projects is supported by different donors and provides critical services to children referred by the Family Support Unit (FSU) and the Ministry of Social Welfare.

During the visit, the Director reviewed the various initiatives, including tailoring and fashion design programs aimed at empowering vulnerable individuals, as well as a primary school and data software used to manage children’s records. Don Bosco Fambul operates on a 30-acre property and provides comprehensive support for children who have experienced abuse or are involved in commercial sex work. Their flagship programs include a 24-hour free hotline for counseling and referrals, as well as the Hope Plus initiative, which offers education and skills training to out-of-shelter girls.

Director Massally commended the organization, stating, “The work Don Bosco Fambul is doing is commendable, particularly in the areas of child protection, rehabilitation, and skill-building. It is critical that such organizations are supported and monitored to ensure that they continue delivering these essential services.” He further emphasized the importance of such facilities aligning with national development priorities.

At the Emergency Surgical and Paediatric Centre in Goderich, Director Massally and his team were briefed on the hospital’s key achievements and ongoing challenges. The hospital, which has been operational since 2001, originally functioned as a trauma center during the aftermath of the civil war. It has since expanded its services, particularly during the Ebola crisis when it was the only hospital in the country that remained open during weeks of shutdowns.

The Surgical Centre is now Sierra Leone’s main referral hospital for trauma cases and provides free surgical care. the center performed thousands of surgeries and conducted consultations. The majority of the adult patients treated at the center are victims of road accidents and civilian trauma. Patients are often transferred from hospitals across Sierra Leone and occasionally from neighboring countries due to the center’s specialized services.

Reflecting on the center’s contributions, Director Massally noted, “The Emergency Surgical and Paediatric Centre is a lifeline for trauma care in Sierra Leone. The free services provided here save countless lives, and it is vital that these operations continue, despite the challenges the hospital faces.”

The inspection of both facilities provided valuable insights into the successes and areas for improvement in their operations. Director Massally was accompanied on the tour by senior planning officers Andre Forde and Alfred Kabia. His visit underscored the critical role that NGOs and specialized hospitals play in supporting national development and addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable populations.

For further information, please contact Alfred Kabia on +23279174027 or visit the Ministry’s official social media handles: Twitter-@moped2024, on Facebook and website: Moped.gov.sl 
End.