By Fatima Kpaka
The Dorothy Springer Trust (DST), in collaboration with One Family People and with support from the Lillian Foundation and other partners, has provided third-quarter assistance to children with disabilities under its Child Empowerment Programme.
The symbolic presentation ceremony was held at the Freetown Cheshire Home, bringing together parents, disability advocates, government representatives and development partners committed to promoting the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Welcoming participants, Chairman of the programme, Mr. Cole, urged parents and guardians of children with disabilities to provide them with the care, support and encouragement they deserve. He stressed the need to end discrimination and marginalisation against children living with disabilities and to create opportunities for them to thrive.
Representatives from the Epilepsy Association of Sierra Leone, the Parents Support Group, World Hope International, One Family People, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), community leaders and DST delivered statements highlighting the importance of sustained support for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, DST Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abdulai Abs Dumbuya, said the support package forms part of the organisation’s third-quarter Child Empowerment Programme, which is being implemented with the assistance of six partner organisations.
He explained that the programme focuses on four key areas: health, education, social inclusion and vocational skills development. According to Dr. Dumbuya, beneficiaries received a range of items, including school bags, uniforms, books, toiletries, crutches, sneakers, vocational training materials and home-care support packages.
He further disclosed that the programme has also provided financial assistance to university students living with disabilities, aimed at supporting their educational pursuits.
Dr. Dumbuya encouraged parents to continue caring for and supporting their children regardless of their physical conditions, noting that every child deserves the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. He also expressed appreciation to DST’s partners, staff and the management of Freetown Cheshire Home for their continued commitment to serving persons with disabilities.
Delivering the keynote address, Member of Parliament for Constituency 121, Hon. Abdul Muniru, underscored the need for greater empowerment and investment in persons with disabilities. He recounted how a physically challenged individual supported him financially during his secondary school education, a gesture he said inspired his commitment to disability inclusion.
The lawmaker highlighted several successful public figures living with disabilities, noting that determination, resilience and hard work can help overcome barriers to success. He described the theme of the programme as “Making Do for Others with the Little You Have” and called on affluent Sierra Leoneans, corporate institutions and non-governmental organisations to increase support for the education and welfare of persons with disabilities.
The Child Empowerment Programme is part of ongoing efforts by the Dorothy Springer Trust and its partners to promote inclusion, improve access to education and strengthen support systems for children and young people living with disabilities across Sierra Leone.