The Sierra Leonean government has unveiled a comprehensive five-year national strategy aimed at fostering social inclusion, protecting vulnerable populations, and strengthening national unity. Announced on Tuesday by Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty, the initiative represents one of the most ambitious social development efforts in the country’s recent history.
At a press briefing in Freetown, Minister Karminty outlined the key pillars of the strategy, which include Professionalization of social work through new regulatory frameworks, Empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities, Promotion of religious tolerance and national cohesion, and Expansion of psychosocial support services and community outreach. The strategy is designed to ensure that marginalized communities, including women, children, people with disabilities, and rural populations, are actively included in Sierra Leone’s development process.
A central focus of the plan is the integration and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the government has already undertaken major upgrades to rehabilitation centres in Makeni and eastern Freetown. These facilities now offer expanded physiotherapy, vocational training, and psychosocial services.
In a significant boost to these efforts, Minister Karminty confirmed that the Government of India has awarded Sierra Leone a $1 million grant to support the nationwide expansion of disability rehabilitation centres. This funding will be directed toward infrastructure, medical equipment, and mobile outreach programs in underserved regions.
“We want to make sure no Sierra Leonean is left behind,” Karminty said. “This strategy reflects our commitment to inclusive growth, and that means empowering people with disabilities to participate fully in our economy and society.”
According to the 2015 housing and population census, approximately 1.3% of Sierra Leone’s population lives with some form of disability. However, advocacy groups say the actual figure may be higher due to underreporting and stigma.
Another major component of the initiative is the formal regulation of the social work profession. The Ministry has submitted a new Social Work Bill to Parliament, which was recently approved by Cabinet. If passed, the legislation would establish a national Council for Social Work Accreditation amongst other benefits to Sierra Leoneans.
