By: Problyn J. Alpha
Kono Cheshire Services Sierra Leone has concluded a two-day training programme for youth panel members at the Koidu Youth Centre, aimed at strengthening the capacity of young people, particularly persons with disabilities, to better represent and support disability organizations across the country.
The training brought together about 20 participants, with 95 percent of attendees being persons with disabilities drawn from different Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
Speaking during the training, the Empowerment Advisor for the Programme for Inclusion and Empowerment (PIE Project) explained that the initiative forms part of a three-year project designed to promote inclusion and empowerment for vulnerable groups. Madam Payagula noted that the project is being implemented in partnership with organizations operating in different districts across Sierra Leone.
She further stated that the training was organized to equip youth panel members with knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The programme also created an opportunity for youth panel members and representatives of disability organizations to strengthen their leadership skills and broaden their understanding of issues affecting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups within the district.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, the Chief Executive Officer of Kono Cheshire Services Sierra Leone, Rev. Sahr Samuel Ngujah, explained that the primary objective of the training was to empower participants with the confidence and capacity needed to promote the rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities as citizens of Sierra Leone.
He noted that the organization believes the training will help participants become strong advocates for positive change, particularly in promoting inclusion, awareness, and the rights of persons living with different forms of disabilities.
Rev. Ngujah reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities, not only in Kono District but across other parts of the country.
Participants who spoke to our correspondent described the training as meaningful and educational, stating that it had better prepared them to support and educate members of their communities on important social and health-related issues.