In a significant stride towards poverty alleviation, over 4000 individuals, including vulnerable women, elderly citizens, and people living with disabilities, have received essential cash support in the Southern Provincial District of Pujehun, courtesy of the Sierra Leone government’s Social Safety Net program.

The initiative, aimed at assisting the impoverished and vulnerable segments of the population, is being executed under the patronage of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and is part of the World Bank-funded Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program.

The distribution of cash, which commenced on 16th October 2023, was the third phase of this vital initiative. Targeting those most in need, the program spans a week, providing crucial financial aid to those grappling with extreme poverty in Sierra Leone.

Recent data from both the World Bank and the government underscore the alarming levels of poverty prevalent in Sierra Leone, with nearly 60% of the population residing below the poverty line. Pujehun, according to governmental statistics, is identified as one of the country’s most impoverished districts, further emphasizing the necessity of such welfare programs.

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This round of cash transfers, facilitated through the Orange Mobile Money service, allocated each beneficiary a total of NLe2,609 after a nominal charge of NLe51 was deducted. The impact of this assistance was palpable among the recipients.

Seventy-year-old Boi Kawa, a senior citizen in Pujehun, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the timely support amidst challenging global economic conditions. She pledged to utilize the funds judiciously, a sentiment echoed by others who received the financial aid.

Bainbu, a local trader dealing in essential commodities like palm oil, garie, pepper, charcoal, and peanuts, revealed her excitement, emphasizing how this support would significantly contribute to her children’s education and bolster her business.

Another beneficiary, Joseph Sandy, a physically challenged man who lost his right leg during Sierra Leone’s civil war and relied on begging to survive, shared his relief. The cash infusion enabled him to afford food and essential medical treatments, marking a turning point in his life.

Nixon Collier, the District Coordinator of NaCSA for Pujehun, emphasized the government’s dedication to uplifting its citizens from poverty. Collier highlighted the tangible impact of the cash support, noting that it has substantially alleviated the suffering of the recipients, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in fostering a more secure and stable community.