Social Welfare Minister Opens Sensory Room to Support Persons with Disabilities in Grafton
Kadijatu Barrie Marking a major step toward inclusivity for persons living with disabilities, Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, officially inaugurated the One Family People Sensory Room in Grafton, Freetown.
The event featured an inspiring address from Pastor Craig Johnson of Lakewood Church in Houston, who emphasized the initiative’s empowering spirit.
Pastor Johnson shared the story of his son Connor, who has disabilities but has achieved independence and success, declaring that children in Sierra Leone are also destined for greatness. He launched the Champions Club and presented “You Are Extraordinary” books, affirming that these children are not forgotten and are meant to shine.
Minister Karminty resonated deeply with attendees as she highlighted the need to view children with disabilities as capable and valuable individuals. She called for a shift in mindsets and the dismantling of stigma, urging the public to support inclusion with practical policies.
Honouring the legacy of the late founder of the orphanage, she aligned her ministry’s efforts with global frameworks like the Berlin Declaration. Karminty declared the sensory room’s opening as the start of a national movement for true disability inclusion, emphasizing that genuine development must be inclusive and leave no one behind.
