By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has inaugurated a significant initiative to supply assistive devices to disabled children throughout Sierra Leone. This program marks a hopeful new chapter for one of the nation’s most vulnerable populations, recovering from the impacts of civil war and the Ebola epidemic.
The initiative aims to provide essential equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and communication devices to children with disabilities. These technologies are designed to promote independence, mobility, and social inclusion—attributes that remain largely unattainable for many in Sierra Leone due to limited funding and inadequate infrastructure.
During a recent statement, Mr. John Conteh, the Acting Director of Social and Religious Affairs, who spoke on behalf of Minister of Social Welfare Ms. Melrose Karminty, expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for its concerted efforts to support disabled children in the country.
“The assistive devices will significantly enhance the lives of many disabled children in our country,” Conteh remarked. “Access to mobility and communication aids will help these children transition from isolation to becoming active participants in their communities.” The provision of wheelchairs is expected to facilitate school attendance, while hearing aids will improve communication abilities.
The ECOWAS initiative represents a crucial step toward addressing the needs of disabled children, fostering an inclusive environment where they can thrive.
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