By: Saidu Jalloh In a significant step toward inclusive national development, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to disability inclusion during the official launch of the PENDA Pilot 2.0 Inception Workshop in Freetown.
Held amid the peak of the rainy season, the event brought together national and international stakeholders to discuss and advance disability rights and social protection systems across the country. Minister Karminty described the workshop as a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s journey toward a more inclusive society.
The PENDA Pilot 2.0 builds on the successes of the initial pilot conducted in the Western Area Urban and Kenema districts. The second phase aims to refine tools and procedures within Sierra Leone’s national disability assessment and certification framework an essential step toward standardizing support services for persons with disabilities. The Minister commended the collaborative efforts of local actors and international partners, with special recognition for UNICEF Sierra Leone and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for their technical support and sustained commitment.
During her address, Minister Karminty highlighted several key government initiatives aligned with President Julius Maada Bio’s inclusive development agenda. These include: Reviewing the 2011 Disability Act to align it with current realities, mainstreaming disability rights into electoral reforms, ensuring children with disabilities are fully integrated into the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) Programme In a forward-looking announcement, the Minister unveiled plans to launch a Disability Innovation Lab, an initiative aimed at equipping young people with disabilities with digital skills and entrepreneurial training.
This effort is expected to open new pathways for economic empowerment and social inclusion. Echoing Minister Karminty’s vision, the UNICEF Representative hailed the workshop as a springboard for transformative action. She emphasized the need for continued collaboration to dismantle systemic barriers in education, healthcare, and employment. She also referred to persons with disabilities as individuals with “special abilities” who deserve dignity, opportunity, and equal treatment.
The workshop concluded with a strong message of unity among national and international stakeholders. Together, they pledged to build a system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all Sierra Leoneans especially persons living with disabilities.