Post a comment 
The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has completed the disbursement of Economic Inclusion (EI) Grants to 842 extremely poor households in Pujehun District, providing financial support to help beneficiaries establish or expand income-generating activities.
The initiative, funded by the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone, forms part of the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project, which aims to strengthen social protection, create economic opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable households.
According to NaCSA, more than 60 per cent of the beneficiaries are women-headed households, while 20 percent are households that include persons with disabilities, reflecting the programme’s focus on inclusion and equity.
Speaking during the symbolic payment ceremony, the Commissioner of NaCSA commended President Julius Maada Bio for prioritising poverty reduction and job creation. He also acknowledged the World Bank’s financial and technical support in implementing the programme.
He expressed optimism that continued collaboration with development partners would enable the programme to reach more vulnerable Sierra Leoneans.
Pujehun District Council Chairperson welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for struggling families. He said the grant of Le5,757 would provide beneficiaries with the opportunity to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Resident Minister for the South, John Abu, called for increased funding to expand the programme to more communities across the region. Representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture, the Office of National Security, and traditional leaders also praised the initiative and emphasised the importance of sustaining social protection programmes.
For many beneficiaries, the grant represents a fresh opportunity to rebuild their lives.
A widow identified as Aminata Kaikai said she plans to invest in a palm oil business to support her four children after years of struggling through petty trading.
Young farmer Mohamed Kamara said he intends to purchase improved seeds and farming tools to increase his harvest and boost his family’s income.
Fatmata Conteh, a beneficiary living with a disability, said she will use the grant to expand her petty trading business, adding that the programme has given her a sense of inclusion and hope.
NaCSA said the Economic Inclusion Grant is designed to help vulnerable households move beyond immediate financial support by enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods through farming, small businesses, and other income-generating activities.
The Commission expressed hope that, with continued support from the Government of Sierra Leone and development partners, the programme will be expanded to benefit more vulnerable households across the country.
