By Ibrahim S. Bangura
PORT LOKO, Sierra Leone – Palama Rehabilitation Home has marked its first anniversary with a renewed call for stronger partnerships and increased support to address mental health challenges and substance abuse among young people in Sierra Leone.
The anniversary celebration, held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, coincided with World Mental Health Day and brought together representatives from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations (CSOs), mental health practitioners and cultural experts.
Palama Rehabilitation Home, regarded as the first and only rehabilitation facility in Port Loko District, provides care and support for people living with mental health challenges, individuals affected by substance abuse and other vulnerable members of society.
Participants at the event reflected on the importance of rehabilitation, community support and the reintegration of individuals recovering from substance abuse, while emphasizing the need for collective action to tackle growing social challenges affecting young people.
Speaking at the ceremony, the founder of the rehabilitation home, Hon. Ibrahim Rashid Bundu, reaffirmed his commitment to public service and supporting vulnerable groups despite his retirement from active politics.
“I am a retired politician, but I am not tired,” Bundu remarked, drawing laughter from attendees as he underscored his determination to continue serving society after more than two decades in public life.
He explained that the facility was established in response to the growing prevalence of mental health disorders and substance abuse, which he described as serious national concerns requiring coordinated intervention.
According to Bundu, the residential rehabilitation centre provides counselling, guidance, education and rehabilitation services aimed at helping individuals recover and reintegrate into their communities.
He disclosed plans to introduce vocational training programmes, including arts, catering, gara tie-dyeing and tailoring, to equip residents with practical skills and promote self-reliance.
“We want to introduce arts, catering, gara tie-dyeing and tailoring at the home. Recovery requires appropriate management, preparation and support to enable individuals to return to their families and communities and live productive lives. We need support to actualise these dreams for our future generations,” he said.
Bundu noted that the institution has adequate space to accommodate vocational training and other developmental activities but requires additional resources and qualified personnel to implement the programmes effectively.
He reported that several beneficiaries have shown significant improvement after months of rehabilitation, highlighting the value of sustained care, counselling and community support in the recovery process.
The former parliamentarian urged Sierra Leoneans to stop stigmatizing individuals struggling with substance abuse, stressing that they should be supported rather than isolated.
“Effective rehabilitation requires trained personnel, vocational instructors, appropriate facilities and other essential resources. We are therefore calling for support in these areas,” he appealed.
Bundu also encouraged skilled professionals and volunteers to contribute their expertise to the initiative, describing Palama Rehabilitation Home as a growing humanitarian project that depends on community involvement and partnership.
Also addressing the gathering, Sajoh Jalloh, Chief Executive of the Veteran Artists Association of Sierra Leone, pledged to provide training in acrobatics and cultural dance for young residents at the facility.
He said the programmes would help build self-esteem, develop talents and create livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries while contributing to their mental well-being. Jalloh, a respected trainer in the field, has mentored many of Sierra Leone’s leading gymnasts and acrobats, some of whom later secured scholarships to further their studies and training in China.
Mental health expert Lucy Lamin commended Bundu for establishing the rehabilitation home and praised his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.
Reflecting on the 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” Lamin emphasized the importance of creating platforms for people with lived experiences to share their stories and contribute to shaping solutions.
She noted that listening to affected individuals is critical to understanding the challenges they face and developing effective responses to mental health and substance abuse issues.
Lamin further stressed that collaborative initiatives such as Palama Rehabilitation Home can play a significant role in reducing the impact of mental health disorders and substance abuse among young people, while promoting recovery, inclusion and social reintegration.
The event concluded with renewed calls for government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and private individuals to support rehabilitation programmes and strengthen mental health services across the country.