By Joseph Momoh, Reporter, D.S.
In a significant move to enhance sustainable livelihoods for specially abled individuals, the Government of India has announced a financial commitment of $990,000 towards the project titled “Enabling Economic Independence for Specially Abled Persons in Sierra Leone.”
This initiative, requested by the Government of Sierra Leone, is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to a press release from the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, the project is deemed a crucial national development priority for Sierra Leone. It focuses on providing training and establishing work cooperatives in rural areas, empowering persons with disabilities to achieve economic independence while remaining close to their homes.
The project will incorporate several key components, including refurbishing dedicated centers for persons with disabilities, developing a training curriculum centered around priority skill areas, adopting technology to enhance mobility and access to social services, and establishing a loan program to assist individuals in purchasing necessary tools.
The press release also highlighted the warm and cordial relationship between India and Sierra Leone, noting that Indian developmental cooperation with the nation, facilitated through Lines of Credit and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Investment and Development, totals $250 million and spans multiple sectors.
Moreover, over 450 nationals from Sierra Leone have benefitted from the Pan-African Tele-Education and Tele-Medicine initiative (e-VBAB), gaining access to online education through Indian universities. Sierra Leone has also seen significant advantages from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships across various disciplines in India.
Launched in June 2017, the India-UN Development Partnership Fund has committed a total of $150 million to support projects in developing countries that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. This Fund emphasizes the principles of South-South cooperation, prioritizing national ownership, sustainability, and local capacity development.
To date, 86 projects in 65 countries have been supported under this Fund, underscoring India’s commitment to fostering development and mutual benefit through international collaboration.
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