In February 2025, Sierra Leone marked a historic milestone by hosting its first-ever NGO Week, a national event dedicated to recognizing the impact of nonprofits in empowering communities and driving sustainable development. Organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), the event ran from February 22nd to 27th under the theme “Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development.”

For World Hope International (WHI), the event was particularly meaningful as Grace L. R. Kargbo, WHI’s West Africa Regional Leader, served as the chairperson of the organizing committee. Her leadership, along with WHI’s deep involvement, reinforced the organization’s commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and long-term impact in Sierra Leone. 

Uniting People Through a Health Walk

NGO Week kicked off on Saturday, February 22nd, with a health walk that brought together 1,577 participants, including representatives from 400+ national and international NGOs and government officials. Starting at WHI’s office and concluding at World Vision International, the five-kilometer (3.1-mile) walk symbolized unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to community development.

At the finish line, participants engaged in a program featuring speeches, performances, and awareness campaigns. Highlights included:

• A mental health awareness skit by the Mental Health Coalition
• A powerful song about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• A cervical cancer awareness song performed by WHI staff alongside government leaders

These performances and discussions sparked important conversations about key social and health issues, reinforcing the critical role of NGOs in addressing community needs.

A Story of Transformation at the Official Launch

On February 27th, the official launch of NGO Week took place at the Miatta Conference Centre. The event welcomed 1,494 senior leaders, including: 
✔ The Vice President of Sierra Leone 
✔ Diplomatic Corps and Donor Representatives 
✔ House of Parliament Members 
✔ Mayors and District Council Leaders 
✔ Country Directors of NGOs 
Among the many organizations present, WHI was honored to be one of only two NGOs selected to present an impact story before the Vice President. 

WHI’s Enable the Children (ETC) Program: A Voice for Children with Disabilities

WHI’s Enable the Children (ETC) program was chosen to represent the work being done in the disability sector, advocating for rehabilitation services, inclusion, and early intervention for children with disabilities.

Two children, Marie and Adama, were selected as representatives of the thousands of children living with disabilities across Sierra Leone.

Occupational therapist Laura Boothby introduced ETC, highlighting the life-changing support provided through therapy, assistive equipment, and family counseling. She emphasized that this program is not just a service—it’s a movement. 

A Mother’s Powerful Testimony

Adama’s mother shared a deeply personal story about the stigma and challenges she faced raising a child with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She recounted how she was pressured to abandon her daughter but instead found hope through WHI’s therapy services, locally made assistive equipment, and counseling support.

Thanks to this intervention, Adama has made remarkable progress—she can now follow instructions, eat and drink independently, sit in a chair, and attend a school that accommodates her needs.

In a historic moment, Adama’s mother made a direct appeal to the Vice President, asking him to become an ambassador for children with disabilities. The crowd responded with overwhelming support, and the Vice President made an acknowledgement to this role.

To mark this commitment, Marie presented a small assistive chair to the Vice President, symbolizing the government’s responsibility to ensure children with disabilities are not forgotten. The public acknowledgment of this issue at the highest level of government was a significant step forward in advocating for policy changes and greater inclusion.

Shaping the Future of NGO Collaboration

The remainder of the event featured: 
📢 Keynote speeches from government and NGO leaders 
📢 Panel discussions on sustainable development 
📢 Presentations from major organizations, including the European Union and SLANGO

A particularly impactful speech by the Vice President reinforced the government’s support for continued collaboration with NGOs.

To close out the successful week, MoPED Minister Kenyeh Ballay hosted a private dinner for NGO leaders and government officials, recognizing their contributions. During the dinner, she announced that Grace Kargbo would continue as the chair of NGO planning and was requested to lead the committee for future discussions with the Vice President on NGO-related initiatives. 

Your Support Makes This Work Possible

Moments like these—where local leaders advocate for systemic change at the highest levels of government—are made possible through the support of partners and donors.

When you support World Hope International, you’re not just funding programs—you’re amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.

You’re helping mothers like Adama’s stand firm in their commitment to their children, regardless of ability.

Through collaboration, generosity, and unwavering commitment, we are building a world where no child, no family, and no community is left behind.

This is the power of hope in action.