Residents and management of the Cheshire Home have raised serious concerns about the growing challenges affecting their welfare and daily operations, particularly in the areas of water supply, infrastructure, and limited government support.
These concerns were highlighted during a recent visit by the Ataya Base Organization and the Anglican Diocesan Men’s Union (DMU), who demonstrated their support by donating food and other essential items to the home.
On behalf of the home, Chairman Dr. Abdulai Don Dumbuya, popularly known as Dr. Abs, expressed among the most urgent issues, he said, is the lack of a reliable and sustainable water supply, which continues to affect hygiene, cooking, and general sanitation. “We are currently facing a serious water crisis. Access to consistent water remains a major struggle, and this directly impacts the wellbeing of the children,” he explained. He added that the home is sometimes forced to rely on alternative and often costly means of accessing water, placing further strain on its already limited resources.
He further pointed to the poor state of the road network leading to the home as a significant barrier for donors, staff, and visitors. According to him, the deteriorating condition of the road makes accessibility difficult, especially during the rainy season when movement becomes nearly impossible. “The road situation discourages many people from coming here. Even when donors are willing to help, access becomes a challenge, and that affects the level of support we receive. Recently, we lost one of our children due to the poor road network. She was sick, and before we could get her to the hospital, her condition had worsened. The road is bad, and traffic is always heavy due to trucks that park along the route,” he said.
In addition, Dr. Dumbuya raised concerns about the absence of regular government subventions, noting that the home has not received consistent financial assistance in recent times. He stressed that this lack of institutional support has placed additional pressure on management and staff, who continue to operate under demanding conditions. “Our staff work tirelessly to care for the children, but the challenges are immense. Without consistent support, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the standard of care these children deserve,” he said.
He added that while the staff remain committed, the lack of essential resources often limits their ability to provide optimal care. “We do our best every day, but sometimes it is very difficult. The children need more support than we can provide with the little we have,” he added.
Some of the children at the home also expressed gratitude for the support they receive, while hoping for improved living conditions. Their resilience, despite the circumstances, reflects both their strength and the dedication of their caregivers.
Dr. Dumbuya used the opportunity to call on government agencies, non-governmental organizations, corporate institutions, and individuals to increase their support to the home. He emphasized that collective efforts are essential to improving living conditions and ensuring the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of the residents. “The responsibility of caring for vulnerable members of society should not rest on a few shoulders alone. We need more partners to come on board and support this cause,” he appealed.
He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who always support the home. He noted that such gestures played a critical role in sustaining the facility and improving the lives of its residents. “The support you always give is truly a blessing. The children consume one full bag of rice each week, any support will mean a great deal to us. This home is entirely run on donations,” Dr. Dumbuya stated, emphasizing the institution’s heavy reliance on external support.
The Cheshire Home remains one of the key facilities providing care and support for children with disabilities in Sierra Leone, relying largely on donations and goodwill from individuals and organizations to sustain its operations.