Post a comment
The Welfare Society For the Disabled (WESOFOD), with support from Trochaic through the SIOBHAN Education for All project, successfully concluded a local soap-making training for eight parents of children living with disabilities in Pujehun district.
The initiative aims to equip these parents with the necessary skills and materials to start their own soap-making businesses, ultimately helping them to better support their children’s education.
Joseph Alieu, Executive Director of WESOFOD and National President of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), emphasized that this training and support are crucial for parents to enhance their ability to provide for their children with disabilities. “This is not the first time WESOFOD has offered such support in Pujehun district,” Alieu stated, urging parents to make the most of the resources provided.
Mohamed Sillah, the district coordinator of WESOFOD, highlighted that the training specifically targets parents who are not currently engaged in any business activities.
This initiative is designed to enable them to gain financial independence and, in turn, support their disabled children more effectively. Sillah also reiterated the importance of ensuring that children with disabilities not only attend school but actively participate in school activities within an inclusive environment.
During the event, Sillah called on parents to utilize the support given to them, stressing its potential to transform their families’ lives. He also urged stakeholders to pay closer attention to disability issues within the community.
Madam Amie Kemokai, the Pujehun district coordinator of SLUDI, expressed her gratitude towards WESOFOD for its support. She noted that while SLUDI aims to undertake similar initiatives, it often relies on partnerships due to funding limitations. Kemokai acknowledged WESOFOD’s significant contributions in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in Pujehun, highlighting a positive shift in the community’s perception of disability.
Chief Mustapha Koroma, Town Chief of Pujehun, commended WESOFOD for its impactful contributions, encouraging other organizations and stakeholders to extend their support to this vulnerable group.
Mr. Phino, a representative from the Ministry of Social Welfare, thanked WESOFOD for its ongoing support of social welfare initiatives.
He emphasized the importance of the opportunity for parents, many of whom struggle to find resources to assist their children with disabilities. Phino assured that the Ministry would monitor the progress of the parents to ensure they capitalize on the support provided.
On behalf of the parents, Mariama Kamara expressed heartfelt gratitude to WESOFOD, acknowledging the positive impact previous support has had on their children’s lives. She pledged that the parents would effectively utilize the resources provided, ensuring a brighter future for their children.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in empowering families of children with disabilities in Pujehun district, fostering a sense of community and encouraging inclusive practices.
