Faith Leaders Promote Disability Inclusion in Sierra Leone

by World Hope International | Apr 23, 2025 | Enable the Children

In Sierra Leone, World Hope International (WHI) is dedicated to empowering children living with disabilities through a comprehensive approach that relies on partners, particular in the faith-based community. Our work encompasses vital services such as psychosocial counseling, occupational and physiotherapy, and the provision of locally manufactured assistive equipment. Beyond direct assistance, we recognize the transformative power of advocacy and community engagement.

This is why a core component of our strategy involves partnering with local, influential religious leaders to drive meaningful change in societal attitudes toward disability.

Recognizing the significant influence of religious leaders within their communities, WHI, through its Enable the Children (ETC) initiatives, has prioritized training pastors on disability inclusion and the crucial role of the church. This strategic approach aims to dismantle prevailing misconceptions and cultivate inclusive environments for persons living with disabilities (PLWDs).

Meaningful Training, Tangible Impact

Our training sessions have extended across Freetown and the provinces, reaching the Inter-Religious Council and traditional healers. These engagements have yielded inspiring outcomes. One notable success story involves a pastor and his wife who, following our pastors training in 2024, established a foundation dedicated to serving PLWDs through their church. This initiative serves as a powerful testament to the potential for faith-based leadership to drive positive change.

In March 2025, the team was invited to conduct a training session at God’s End Time Evangelical Church in Freetown, engaging approximately 100 congregants. This event marked a significant milestone, as it was the church’s first dedicated training on disability inclusion. The church’s proactive engagement was particularly impactful, with the formation of action groups, including children, pastors, a branch church group, and the host church, committed to disseminating messages of love and inclusion within their communities.

The leadership and members of the church expressed profound gratitude for the training, acknowledging WHI’s dedication and expertise. They emphasized the training’s role in enhancing their understanding of how to effectively support and minister to individuals with disabilities, reinforcing their commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming church community.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Change

WHI is committed to expanding its community sensitization efforts and forging strategic partnerships with religious leaders who are passionate about championing disability rights. We believe that by empowering these influential figures, we can collectively reshape the narrative surrounding disability in Sierra Leone.

The success of the training at God’s End Time Evangelical Church underscores the power of collaborative engagement and the willingness of faith-based communities to embrace inclusivity. As we continue our work, we remain dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.