By: Mohamed Sahr mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
With relentless dedication, Social Workers Sierra Leone, a voluntary humanitarian organization, has tirelessly worked for over five years to recognize and support amputees and homeless individuals in Freetown. The organization recently launched its 2024 Homeless Food Service Program in the heart of Freetown, aiming to provide regular meals to those in need.
Hassan Koroma, the Founder and National Coordinator of Social Workers Sierra Leone, expressed the profound impact of the homeless food service event in restoring hope to the lives of many victims. He emphasized the complexity of issues affecting amputees, their children, and homeless people, highlighting his team’s commitment to addressing these challenges and creating a better society.
Koroma acknowledged the success of the Sunday Feeding Program, attributing it to the collective support from sponsors since 2018. The program specifically caters to people with disabilities, homeless individuals, and their children, with the goal of building relationships and addressing hunger.
Encouraging continued support from the government, public, private institutions, and individuals, Koroma emphasized the need for sustainability. The budget for the entire year is set at one hundred and sixty-eight million Old Leone.
Ansumana Konneh, a representative of the Mental Health and Psycho-social Support Directorate at the Ministry of Social Welfare, pledged the ministry’s commitment to working with Social Workers Sierra Leone to improve the living standards of those in need.
Kadiatu Sillah, Chairlady of the Cotton Tree Amputees and Homeless community in Freetown, shared the challenging stories of deprivation, poor living conditions, lack of medical care, and the tragic deaths of eighteen amputees during the past rainy season due to severe cold. She called on the government, the goodwill of Sierra Leone, and institutions to support them with better housing facilities and basic needs to minimize homelessness.
Emma Sesay, a homeless mother and beneficiary of the Food Service Program, expressed gratitude to Social Workers Sierra Leone for providing both food and clothes. Abubakarr Conteh, a disabled beneficiary, looked forward to more support, urging humanitarians and the government to alleviate their trauma and victimization from the war.
The collective efforts of Social Workers Sierra Leone and the plea for continued support underscore the ongoing need to address the challenges faced by amputees, homeless individuals, and their families in Sierra Leone.
