By: Abu H. Kargbo
More than one hundred children with disabilities across ten schools in the Bombali District have benefited from the donation of learning materials provided by the Gender Equality and Development for Social Action (GEDSA), with financial support from the Steve Sinnott Foundation based in the United Kingdom.
The official presentation ceremony took place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Rogbaneh Government Municipal Girls’ Secondary School in Makeni. The event was attended by officials from the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) in Bombali.
Speaking at the ceremony, Isata M. Kamara, National Coordinator for GEDSA, stated that this marks the fourth consecutive year the organization has supported children with disabilities by providing essential learning materials such as school bags, books, pens, pencils, erasers, and rulers.
“They should feel a sense of belonging and be motivated,” she said, emphasizing GEDSA’s commitment to inclusive education.
Philip Abdul Kabia, Assistant Director of the MBSSE in Bombali, commended GEDSA for its continued support, noting that the initiative aligns perfectly with the government’s Radical Inclusion Policy, which promotes equal access to quality education for all children.
“This is a positive response towards inclusive education,” Kabia remarked.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Aminata H. Bangura of St. Conforti Primary School and Kadiatu Koroma of Alharrkan Islamic Primary School in Looking Town, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to GEDSA and the Steve Sinnott Foundation.
“We are very excited to receive this support and appreciate the sponsors a lot,” they said with smiles.
The Gender Equality and Development for Social Action (GEDSA) learning materials support initiative for children with disabilities complements the government’s Radical Inclusion Policy. It also underscores the organization’s dedication to transforming lives and communities through advocacy, empowerment, and sustainable interventions.
