By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), chaired by Hon. Abdul Latiff Sesay, has lauded Caritas Freetown for its continued role in humanitarian relief, development, and rights-based advocacy since its establishment in 1981.
Appearing before the Committee in Freetown, representatives of Caritas Freetown highlighted the organization’s origins, scope of operations, and impact on vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone. Established by the Catholic Bishops Conference, Caritas Freetown was designed as a Catholic entity to serve the poor and marginalized, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal background.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, the Executive Director noted that Caritas Freetown has consistently operated under the Catholic Church’s social teachings, emphasizing relief interventions during disasters, health emergencies, and community crises. “Our work focuses on disaster relief, peacebuilding, nutrition, women’s rights, and access to justice,” he explained, stressing that the institution has evolved towards self-reliance as international funding sources decline.
Although its jurisdiction primarily covers the Western Area (urban and rural), Caritas Freetown also implements national-level projects in collaboration with sister Caritas offices across the country. Key among these interventions are:
Early Childhood Development Programs pioneered by the Catholic Church and later adopted into Sierra Leone’s national curriculum.
Research on Post-War Generational Impact focusing on the transmission of trauma and violent behavior among former child soldiers.
Awareness Campaigns on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) working in partnership with Desert Flower Foundation to prevent girls under 18 from undergoing the harmful practice, while supporting families with school fees and health checkups.
Youth Empowerment and Livelihoods providing vocational training, startup support, and skills development to enable self-reliance, especially for young women and survivors of gender-based violence.
One of the organization’s flagship initiatives, Sick Pikin Project, was born out of the urgent medical needs of children with life-threatening conditions. Since 2018, the project has raised funds both locally and internationally to send children abroad for surgeries costing a minimum of $15,000 per case. Members of Parliament, government officials, and the wider public have supported the initiative through fundraising campaigns on the streets of Freetown.
Committee members praised Caritas Freetown for its longstanding contributions to Sierra Leone’s development. Some MPs recalled benefiting from Catholic schools and charitable support during their youth, underscoring the Church’s vital role in education and community upliftment.
Hon. Abdul Latiff Sesay, Chairman of the Committee, commended the organization’s dedication to the poor and vulnerable. “Helping people is not a waste. Many Sierra Leoneans today can proudly say they were supported by the Church and Caritas to become who they are,” he said.
Caritas Freetown acknowledged increasing challenges in fundraising due to shrinking donor support and growing competition for grants. Nonetheless, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing innovative approaches, sustaining long-term partnerships, and prioritizing the dignity of every human person.
In closing, Parliament encouraged Caritas Freetown to “continue to do more,” recognizing its pivotal role in strengthening Sierra Leone’s social fabric
