The former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, HE Paramount Chief Kombrabai Peter Penfold,  instruct the children, teachers and dignitaries present to start ‘ringing the bell’ to raise awareness of inclusion and accessibility in education for children living with disabilities.

All Children, including Children with Disabilities, are welcome to School. This was the key message of the ‘We Ring the Bell’ Campaign 2022.

On Monday 9th May 2022 DST in collaboration with One Family People (OFP) and supported by Liliane Foundation (LF) hosted the event for this important campaign, outside at City Hall, Freetown City Council. The campaign marks the Global Action Week for Education with the theme: “Education in emergencies and Protracted Crisis – How to keep Children with disabilities in the picture.”

The event was chaired by Dr Abdulai Dumbuya, CEO of DST, and attended by children and young people with disabilities, and their teachers. Speakers explained that while education is of critical importance for persons with disabilities, most schools are not accessible, for example lacking ramps or accessible toilets.

Peter Penfold had won the hearts and minds of most Sierra Leoneans as a loyal and supportive friend of the country who took his diplomatic role beyond the narrow confines of protocols and conventionalism.
Penfold was named honorary Paramount Chief in Sierra Leone, and was given the traditional name PC Kumrabai. He is the third person to ever receive such an honour.

Even in retirement, Penfold still maintains ties with Sierra Leone through philanthropy and business investments.