By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
In a significant step towards empowering individuals with disabilities, the Welfare Society for the Disabled Sierra Leone (WESOFOD-SL) has launched the Village of Hope project in Pujehun District, thanks to funding from Trocaire through the TEC-VOC Project.
The initiative kicked off with the construction of an accessible vocational skills training center, which will offer courses in tailoring, soap-making, and bead-making.
During the launch, WESOFOD-SL District Coordinator Mohamed Sillah expressed the organization’s ongoing commitment to advocating for the rights and support of persons with disabilities throughout Sierra Leone. He highlighted that the Village of Hope aims to foster independence and create sustainable livelihoods for youth and women living with disabilities. “This project will directly benefit 20 young individuals with disabilities and 10 parents of children with disabilities. Our goal is to build an accessible vocational training center, equip it with necessary tools, and ensure that beneficiaries acquire marketable skills to enhance their income,” Sillah stated.
Key components of the project include:
- Construction of an accessible vocational skills training center in Pujehun District.
- Provision of equipment for tailoring, soap-making, and bead-making.
- Short-term vocational training for 20 youths and 10 women.
- Business and financial management training to ensure sustainability.
The one-year project, running from May 2025 to April 2026, will serve three chiefdoms in Pujehun District: Kpanga, Panga Krim, and Kpaka.
Skills Centre Coordinator Mohamed Alhaji Sheriff also addressed attendees, assuring stakeholders of the team’s dedication to achieving the project’s goals. He urged the contractor to adhere to the project timeline, emphasizing its time-sensitive nature.
The Village of Hope is poised to become a vital resource for empowering persons with disabilities in Pujehun District, providing them with essential skills and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
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