By: precious miracle kargbo snr
Fifteen organizations providing care and support to vulnerable children, women, youth and older persons in Freetown have received a combined Le300,000 in government welfare grants as the Ministry of Social Welfare strengthens support for frontline services and tightens regulation of the sector.
The cheques were presented at the Ministry’s offices in New England Ville, Freetown, with each beneficiary organization receiving Le20, 000 to support its ongoing programmes for vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, said the intervention demonstrates government’s recognition that the state cannot provide social protection alone. She emphasized that partnerships with community-based and non-governmental organizations remain essential to reaching vulnerable groups, particularly as some international development partners reduce their funding.
“The Government’s responsibility is to cater for the welfare of Sierra Leoneans, especially the most vulnerable,” Karminty said. She commended the beneficiary organizations for their continued commitment to supporting vulnerable people despite persistent funding challenges.
The Minister also highlighted changes being introduced through the new Professional Social Work Regulatory Law, which provides for the establishment of a regulatory council to oversee social work practice and welfare institutions across Sierra Leone.
Under the new framework, social workers and organizations providing welfare services will be required to register and obtain licences. Practitioners will also be required to possess at least a certificate or diploma in social work.
The regulations will cover institutions including children’s homes, interim care centres, homes for older persons, and facilities providing support to victims of drug and substance abuse.
Karminty said the new regulatory framework is intended to promote professionalism, accountability and improved service delivery within the social welfare sector.
“This regulatory framework will ensure that services are delivered by qualified people and that institutions meet minimum standards,” she added.
The 15 beneficiary organizations are Don Bosco Fambul, King George VI Memorial Home, Beckman, Dorwontony Organization for the Aged, Mahenmahen, Princess Promise, Revera Children’s Home, Initiative for Women and Girls Empowerment, Jesus Disciples, All for One, The Raining Season, Vanity Children’s Home, Laughter Africa, Network for Children in Need, and St. George’s Foundation.
Representatives of the organizations expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention, noting that it had been some time since they received direct government support. They said the grants would help sustain essential activities, including feeding programmes, shelter, psychosocial support and skills training.
The Ministry said the welfare grant programme will be extended to the provinces in the coming months as part of efforts to strengthen support for vulnerable populations nationwide.
Officials said the combination of direct financial support and stronger regulatory oversight is aimed at ensuring that welfare services are sustained while also meeting required professional and institutional standards.
The handover forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen social protection and improve the welfare of children, women, older persons and other vulnerable groups across Sierra Leone.