By Joseph Momoh (D.S), Reporter
The Welfare Society for the Disabled Sierra Leone (WESOFOD-SL) – Pujehun branch has launched the Denise Harris Skills Training and Production Centre in Pujehun District, supported by Trócaire under the TECH-VOC (Empowering Youths and Women with Disability for Independent and Sustainable Living) project.
The commissioning ceremony brought together community stakeholders, including education officials, Paramount Chiefs, parents, persons with disabilities, regional authorities, media personnel, and development partners, underscoring strong local ownership and shared commitment to inclusion.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the donor, Rachel Newbray of Trócaire said meaningful development goes beyond financial assistance. She stated that genuine transformation is achieved by equipping beneficiaries with skills to contribute positively to their communities. She described the centre built in continuity of the legacy of Trócaire’s late husband as a symbol of inclusion, opportunity, and lasting change.
Located at the *Village of Hope, the centre is expected to provide a safe and empowering environment for young people and women with disabilities to acquire practical skills that support independent and sustainable living.
As part of efforts to improve accessibility, staff and stakeholders worked with Mobility Worldwide – Sierra Leone to provide mobility aids, including PET carts and crutches, to pupils with disabilities. The support, organizers said, is intended to improve participation in the learning environment.
In an overview of WESOFOD-SL, Executive Director Josepha Alieu Kamara said the organisation was established in 2004 as a local non-governmental organisation led by persons with disabilities. She noted that WESOFOD-SL is registered with the *Ministry of Social Welfare, district councils in Kambia and Pujehun, the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues, and the **Corporate Affairs Commission. According to her, the organisation focuses on improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities through *inclusive education, vocational training, small-scale enterprises, advocacy, and social protection.
Presenting programme achievements, Programs Officer Thomas KJ Lebbie said Trócaire has partnered with WESOFOD-SL since 2018 to implement disability empowerment initiatives for women and youths in Kambia and Pujehun. He reported that three vocational training centres have already been established in Kambia, benefiting 190 trainees in skills such as blacksmithing, soap making, gara tie-dyeing, weaving, and shoemaking, leading to the creation of 190 small-scale enterprises.
At district level, Mohamed Sillah explained that the new Pujehun centre will train 30 youths and women with disabilities in soap making, bead making, and tailoring, while supporting participants to establish income-generating activities. He added that the centre will function as a social enterprise, producing goods for sale at affordable prices to sustain operations beyond the initial project period.
Skills Centre Coordinator Mohamed Alhaji Sheriff expressed appreciation to partners and community stakeholders, assuring them of commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective implementation. He urged trainees to take the programme seriously and called on instructors to deliver quality instruction.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Massah Bangura thanked WESOFOD-SL and its partners, saying the training will enable participants to become self-reliant and active contributors to society. She pledged full commitment to making the most of the opportunity.
The launch of the Denise Harris Skills Training and Production Centre marks a major step toward inclusive development and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities in Pujehun District and beyond.
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