Beach Day Outing Celebrates Inclusion & Empowerment
In February 2025, World Hope International’s annual Enable the Children (ETC) Beach Outing brought joy and purpose to the sands of Aberdeen Beach in Freetown, Sierra Leone. With nearly 600 children with disabilities and more than 2,150 total participants, the event was a powerful celebration of resilience, dignity, and the right of every child to feel seen, valued, and included.
This beloved event is more than just a fun day at the beach—it’s a statement. For many children with disabilities in Sierra Leone, the question “Am I included?” often goes unanswered. But on this day, that question was met with a resounding “Yes.” Children played, danced, laughed, and were celebrated by their peers, their families, and their communities.
Watch Beach Day 3 min video
The day drew local dignitaries, community leaders, and media, underscoring how vital events like this are in reshaping societal attitudes. Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh applauded World Hope International’s work and shared, “I am not here to work today; I am here to make new friends and celebrate life,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to radical inclusion for people living with disabilities.
A Movement for Radical Inclusion
Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, echoed this momentum by announcing the nearing completion of the Disability Act, a crucial piece of legislation that will address accessibility, assistive devices, and comprehensive support services. She emphasized that empowerment—not exclusion—must define the future for children living with disabilities.
Grace Linda Ruba Kagbo, World Hope’s Country Director in Sierra Leone, expressed deep gratitude for the many sponsors who made the day possible, including UK International Development, UNICEF, Rotary International, the Government of Ireland, Rokel Commercial Bank, and Protec. She spoke directly to donors, emphasizing that their contributions are not just financial—they are instrumental in creating confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging for every child.
Personal Stories of Impact
One of the most touching moments came from Sorie, a former ETC beneficiary who now works with World Hope. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “In the past, we would just sit quietly without any music or activities. But today, things are different. World Hope has made remarkable progress in creating a better future for children living with disabilities.” His story serves as a powerful reminder that investment in inclusion leads to lasting change.
Organizations such as the British High Commission, Irish Embassy, Rotary International, Faith Church, Hoboken Grace Church, and others praised WHI for its impactful work and reaffirmed their commitment to continued partnership.
The 2025 Beach Outing wasn’t just a day of celebration—it was a public declaration of inclusion, a rally for policy change, and a vision for a future where every child, regardless of ability, is empowered to thrive.
Enable the Children remains committed to this mission—advancing disability inclusion, advocating for supportive legislation, and ensuring no child is left behind.
Kadiatu Koroma
Social Worker in Global Health - ETC
World Hope International