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The High Commission of India in Sierra Leone is pleased to announce the official launch and signing ceremony of the project titled “Specially Abled Persons in Sierra Leone (Persons with Disabilities)”, a significant initiative implemented under the Commonwealth Window of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
The ceremony marks a new chapter in the enduring partnership between India and Sierra Leone, emphasizing India’s commitment to inclusive development and empowerment of vulnerable communities across the Global South.
The event was graced by the presence of Hon. Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, H. E. Ms. Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Fedrick Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative, distinguished guests and experts, who participated in the 3rd Africa High Level Forum on South South and Triangular Cooperation, media representatives and civil society organizations.
This project, developed in close collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and UN implementing partners, aims to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities, with a focus on improving accessibility, rehabilitation services, vocational training, and social inclusion. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
India takes pride in its longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone, built on mutual respect and shared goals. India is committed to be a reliable partner of Sierra Leone in its development journey. Our development cooperation with Sierra Leone through our Lines of Credit aggregates to US$ 250 million covering a range of sectors in the infrastructure space. Of this, projects worth US$ 100 million have already been completed.
India has been contributing to the education and capacity building through ITEC & ICCR scholarship programs, Pan-African tele-Education/e-VidyaBharati programme, and setting up a Learning Center at the Fourah Bay College of the University of Sierra Leone for the benefit of students.
More than 400 Government officials from various Ministries and Departments of Sierra Leone have benefited from ITEC and about 100 students availed ICCR scholarships to pursue undergrad, post graduate and doctorate programs in reputed universities in India.
Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone, reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for inclusive growth and South-South cooperation. He highlighted that the India-UN Development Partnership Fund is a reflection of India’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, for the development of all).
India’s developmental assistance through this Fund has been channelled into a diverse array of priority sectors, including health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and now, critical support for persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
The High Commission of India takes pride in supporting this initiative, which reflects the spirit of solidarity and partnership that underpins India’s engagement with fellow developing nations.
