By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone — In an address during the Civic Day series hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Honourable Minister of Social Welfare Mrs. Melrose Karminty delivered a resounding call to action for the protection and empowerment of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable citizens.
Speaking to a packed hall in Makeni, Minister Karminty reaffirmed her ministry’s unwavering commitment to social justice, emphasizing that social welfare is not merely a bureaucratic function but a national mission. “Social welfare is a shield for the aged, women, families, and persons with disabilities,” she declared. “It is the promise that every Sierra Leonean deserves dignity, resilience, and opportunity.”
The Minister outlined ongoing efforts to expand certification and access for persons with disabilities, strengthen inclusive education and healthcare systems, and build human capital that enables marginalized communities to thrive independently. She credited development partners for their continued collaboration in these initiatives.
Turning her focus to the nation’s youth, Minister Karminty issued a stark warning against the perils of irregular migration and substance abuse. “False promises and deadly drugs are stealing futures,” she said, urging a united front among ministries, educators, law enforcement, and community leaders to combat these threats. She called on parents, teachers, and religious figures to amplify prevention efforts and guide young people toward existing opportunities such as free quality education and vocational training.
In closing, Minister Karminty pledged that the Ministry of Social Welfare will remain a catalyst for change — connecting vulnerable citizens to essential services, safeguarding their rights, and ensuring that no one is left behind in Sierra Leone’s journey toward inclusive national progress.
Her remarks drew widespread praise from attendees, who hailed the Minister’s message as a timely and necessary intervention in the country’s social development discourse.