In a remarkable show of solidarity and support for the less privileged, ActionAid Sierra Leone distributed food supplies to 86 physically challenged households at the Polio Camp in Makeni, Northern Region. The initiative, aimed at easing the economic burden during the festive season, was spearheaded by the NRO members.
Speaking at the event, ActionAid Board Chairman Mohamed Albert Tarawallie emphasized the organization’s commitment to action over words.
“ActionAid delivers help through action, not just talk. While many are celebrating the joys of Christmas, others are struggling to afford a pot of rice. That is why we are here today,” he said.
Commending the relentless efforts of ActionAid staff, Tarawallie remarked, “Our hardworking staff are the true heroes and heroines. At the managerial level, we discuss dreams, but they make those dreams a reality. This development effort is not about words but tangible support, and today, rice and oil are being distributed to those who need it most.”
Regional Manager for ActionAid North, Fatmata Fornah Jalloh, highlighted the organization’s human rights-based approach and commitment to inclusivity.
“We stand with the poor and marginalized. Earlier this year, our Country Director conducted a monitoring visit, and we saw how challenging times were becoming for many families. This support is our way of spreading hope during Christmas,” she explained.
The food packages targeted 86 households, with larger families receiving two bags of rice and two gallons of vegetable oil. Jalloh emphasized that the initiative was not just about charity but about upholding the principles of dignity and solidarity.
Ramatulai Mansaray, Gender Officer for the Polio Persons Development Association (PoPDA), lauded ActionAid’s intervention during what she described as “trying economic times.”
“Half a bag of rice now costs nearly NLe 500, which is beyond the reach of many. We are immensely grateful for this timely support,” she said.
Many beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude for the timely intervention. Mohamed, a husband and father of six, shared how the support has been life-changing.
“I normally go out on the streets to beg every Friday, but I can’t even make NLe 100 per day—not to mention the cost of half a bag of rice, which is NLe 500. ActionAid has saved my home. Now, with NLe 20, I can provide a meal for my family thanks to the rice and oil supply.”
Similarly, Ibrahim Sankoh, another beneficiary, described how difficult it is to survive as a beggar in such economic conditions.
“I was not expecting this. I beg on the streets for a living, but it is hard to earn NLe 500 to buy a bag of rice. Thanks to ActionAid, I can now give my wife NLe 20 to prepare food for the family—something that was almost impossible before this support came.”
N’naba Yayabu Sesay, a resident of PoPDA Camp, expressed her joy:
“I never expected this, even in my dreams. ActionAid has truly brought Christmas to us.”
This initiative underscores ActionAid’s unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities, fostering resilience, and spreading hope during challenging times.
