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In a heartfelt effort to promote inclusion and support children living with disabilities, World Hope International hosted its annual Enable the Children beach outing on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
The event, held in Freetown, provided over 600 children and their families with a day of joy, interaction, and community engagement, reinforcing the message that every child deserves to feel valued and included.
According to World Hope Sierra Leone’s Country Director Madam Grace Linda Ruba Kargbo, the outing was not just about fun but a celebration of the strength, resilience, and joy of children with disabilities and their families. She emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and love and expressed deep gratitude to partners and sponsors, including UK International Development, UNICEF, Rotary International, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Government of Ireland, Rokel Commercial Bank, Faith Church, and others, whose support made the event possible.
Addressing donors, she highlighted that their contributions go beyond financial aid, as they help build confidence, create lasting memories, and foster a sense of belonging for these children. She encouraged continued support and collaboration, emphasizing that together, they are making a meaningful difference.
The event attracted top dignitaries, including Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh, the British High Commissioner, UNICEF representatives, the Minister of Social Welfare, and organizations working with children with disabilities.
Delivering his remarks, Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh praised World Hope for its continuous efforts in empowering children with disabilities.
“I am not here to work today; I am here to make new friends and celebrate life,” he said, emphasizing the need for society to embrace diversity and recognize the unique abilities of every individual.
He underscored the government’s commitment to radical inclusion, highlighting ongoing efforts to provide healthcare, safe spaces, and protection for persons living with disabilities. He also commended parents for their dedication and resilience, assuring them of President Bio’s administration’s continued support.
Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, reiterated her ministry’s commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities are not left behind. She revealed that the Ministry is in the final stages of drafting the Disability Act, which will soon be presented to Parliament.
“This Act will include vital provisions such as access to assistive devices, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the necessary support to thrive,” she stated.
She urged development partners to increase their support, stressing that children with disabilities should be empowered rather than left to struggle. She further stated that the Ministry is working on organizing more inclusive programs to keep children engaged and prevent social issues like drug abuse and street begging. As part of the event, she donated special food items to the children.
Sorie, a former beneficiary who now works with World Hope, shared his personal journey, explaining how initiatives like this have significantly improved over the years.
“In the past, we would just sit quietly without any music or activities, but today, things are different. World Hope has made remarkable progress in creating a better future for children with disabilities,” he said.
He encouraged the children to stay determined and embrace every opportunity, reminding them that they are capable of great things.
Representatives from UNICEF, the British High Commission, the Irish Embassy, Rokel Commercial Bank, Rotary International, Faith Church, Protec, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities commended World Hope for its impactful work. They pledged their continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of children with disabilities.
World Hope International is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities through sustainable solutions. In Sierra Leone, the organization has been at the forefront of advocating for children with disabilities, providing healthcare, education, assistive devices, and social support to ensure their full participation in society.
Through initiatives like Enable the Children, World Hope continues to champion inclusion, creating opportunities for children living with disabilities to thrive.
