A Day of Inclusion, Joy, and Empowerment
Held on Valentine’s Day, the event became a powerful celebration of inclusion, dignity, and the extraordinary strength of children living with disabilities.
But this was more than a day at the beach.
It was a visible declaration that no child should be left behind.
A Celebration of Ability
Laughter filled the shoreline as children danced, played games, and splashed in the water alongside parents, volunteers, government and development leaders. What once might have been a space of exclusion became a space of belonging.
The outing reinforced Sierra Leone’s Radical Inclusion Policy, demonstrating that disability inclusion is not charity—it is justice. As Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey emphasized, inclusion is “an obligation of justice and a foundation for sustainable progress”.
For many families, this annual event is a rare opportunity to experience public celebration rather than stigma. It affirms what ETC works toward every day: ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Strong Partnerships, Shared Commitment
The 2026 Beach Outing was made possible through remarkable collaboration. Key partners included the Irish Embassy, British High Commission, UNICEF, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the National Commission for Persons with Disability, Rotary Club of Freetown, New Brookfields Hotel, Family Kingdom, Mercy Ships, Word Made Flesh, Football for a New Tomorrow, Aberdeen Women’s Centre, the Lanfer Children’s Foundation, and international guests from Hoboken Grace Church and Faith Church in the United States .
In addition, 250 volunteers—including partner organizations, community members, beach staff, and police—ensured the day ran smoothly and safely.
This collective effort reflects a growing movement across Sierra Leone: disability inclusion is a shared responsibility.
Government Engagement and Policy Progress
High-profile dignitaries attended the event, including Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, the Minister of Education, National Commission for Children Commissioner, diplomatic representatives, and other national leaders.
Minister of Social Welfare Madam Melrose Karminty reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring children with disabilities are included in national development. She also announced that the forthcoming Disability Act is nearing completion and will expand access to assistive devices and essential services.
The message was clear: inclusion is not optional. It is essential for Sierra Leone’s future.
Stories That Inspire
The event also gave voice to powerful testimonies.
Sorie Bangura, a former ETC beneficiary who now works with World Hope International, reflected on how far disability inclusion has come. “In the past, we would just sit quietly without any music or activities. But today, things are different,” he shared.
Another moving testimony came from Danieka’s mother, who described her daughter’s progress—from being unable to walk and deeply distressed to gaining strength and confidence through physiotherapy and community support.
These stories are reminders that behind every statistic is a child gaining confidence, a family finding hope, and a community choosing inclusion.
More Than a Day
The Beach Outing is one expression of ETC’s broader mission. Through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychosocial support, and community advocacy, World Hope International works year-round to strengthen rehabilitation services and promote equal opportunity.
The success of the 2026 outing underscores the power of sustained partnerships and shared vision. When communities, government leaders, churches, and organizations stand together, barriers fall.
On the sands of Aberdeen Beach, families did more than celebrate—they modeled a future where every child is valued.
And that is a future worth building.
Laura Boothby
Occupational Therapy Program Manager in Global Health - ETC
World Hope International – Sierra Leone