By: Saidu Jalloh
Blessed and United Sisters, a Christian charitable organization, on Saturday donated assorted food and non-food items to the Mahanahim Orphanage through the Ministry of Social Welfare in Grafton.
The donated items included bags of rice, gallons of groundnut and palm oil, sugar, detergent, onions, cartons of snacks, and diapers. The presentation ceremony was held at the orphanage compound in the presence of staff, officials, and community members.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President of the group, Patricia King, explained that the organization’s mission is centered on giving back to society through acts of kindness, particularly targeting vulnerable communities. She noted that their efforts are driven by faith, gratitude, and a shared commitment to improving lives.
Also addressing the gathering, the President of Blessed and United Sisters, Philippa Sesay, revealed that the group has sustained similar charitable activities for the past nine years. She emphasized that despite challenges, the organization remains committed to community service and operates independently without government funding.
Sesay further highlighted that the group, made up of 23 women from various Christian denominations, continues to promote unity despite differences in worship practices. She added that their outreach programs have benefited institutions such as schools for the blind and deaf, homes for the elderly, and healthcare facilities across the country.
Receiving the items on behalf of the government, the Director of the Family Welfare Unit at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Workia Conteh, commended the group for what she described as a commendable contribution to social protection efforts. She noted that facilities like Mahanahim Orphanage play a vital role in providing care and support for vulnerable individuals.
Conteh explained that the orphanage complements government efforts, particularly in addressing the needs of children and disadvantaged groups. She also acknowledged the challenges associated with managing such facilities but praised the continued commitment of stakeholders.
In her remarks, the Proprietor of Mahanahim Orphanage, Melrose Mboyawa, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Blessed and United Sisters for their support. She recounted the origins of the home, noting that it was inspired by her late mother’s compassion for disabled and vulnerable individuals in the aftermath of the civil war.
Mboyawa stated that despite early challenges including limited resources and lack of structured support the home has grown through determination and community backing. She appealed for sustained assistance to further improve the welfare of the children under their care.
Blessed and United Sisters is a faith-based group comprising long-time friends with over two decades of shared history. The organization remains committed to promoting unity, service, and national development through consistent charitable outreach.