By: Isatu Yollah Bangura
The Ministry of Social Welfare has held a send-off ceremony for a 25-member delegation of social workers who will travel to Fuzhou City, China, for a two-week capacity-building seminar on social services, social security and social welfare.
The ceremony was held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Ministry’s conference hall in New England Ville, Freetown.
The delegation, comprising 13 women and 12 men, is the largest group the Ministry has sent for international training in social welfare. It is headed by John Conteh, Acting Director of Religious Affairs at the Ministry, with Aisha Iscandri serving as Deputy Head.
The delegates were selected from across the country, including the Ministry’s directorates, agencies, commissions, district offices, remand homes, Family Support Units and other social welfare institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Social Welfare Mrs. Melrose Karminty described the training opportunity as unprecedented and said it would contribute to strengthening Sierra Leone’s social welfare system.
The Minister said the initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda, noting that the Ministry had submitted a proposal to the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone highlighting the need to strengthen the capacity of social welfare professionals.
She said China had supported Sierra Leone in various areas over the years, adding that the scale of the current programme represents a significant milestone for the Ministry.
According to Mrs. Karminty, the Chinese Government’s focus on social welfare demonstrates its recognition that the well-being of citizens is essential to the stability, progress and development of any nation.
She stressed that the beneficiaries were selected on merit and said the participation of 13 women reflects the Government’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The Minister urged the delegates to approach the programme with professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that the trip should not be viewed as a holiday but as a serious professional engagement aimed at improving their knowledge, skills and performance.
She announced that each delegate would be required to submit an individual report upon returning to Sierra Leone, outlining the knowledge gained and how it could be applied to their respective duties.
The Ministry, she said, would compile the reports and present them to the Chinese Embassy as a gesture of appreciation for its support.
Mrs. Karminty further noted that the current programme could pave the way for additional capacity-building opportunities within the Ministry.
She highlighted the need for continuous training for personnel working in remand homes and Family Support Units, noting that such officers interact daily with people facing complex social and psychological challenges.
The Minister expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone, as well as the Government and Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, for supporting the initiative.
Former beneficiaries of similar training programmes also shared their experiences with the delegation, encouraging the delegates to regard the opportunity as both a privilege and an avenue for professional growth.
They advised the delegates to prepare for cultural differences, respect Chinese culture, pay attention to details and ask questions whenever necessary. They also reminded them that they would be representing Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Social Welfare and their families.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the opportunity and pledged to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the programme.
They committed themselves to representing Sierra Leone and the Ministry positively, acquiring relevant knowledge and skills, and applying what they learn to improve their work upon their return.
The 25-member delegation is scheduled to depart Sierra Leone on Thursday for the two-week programme in Fuzhou City, China.