By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Sierra Leone’s Koinadugu and Falaba Districts have made an urgent appeal for vocational training centers and increased support to enhance their living conditions. The call was made during a lunch event in Kabala hosted by Michael Newell, his wife, and his mother, Marie Gerber, Canadian residents with ties to the region.
The event, coordinated by former District Council Chairman Peter Bayuku Konteh, provided a platform for PWDs to highlight their challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Over 2,000 PWDs in the districts face significant barriers despite ongoing advocacy for inclusivity.
Voices from the Community
Mariatu Koroma, a visually impaired resident, expressed frustration over inaccessible infrastructure. “We need pathways and facilities that accommodate everyone, regardless of ability. Public infrastructure remains unfriendly,” she said.
Musa Kamara, a wheelchair user, emphasized the need for economic empowerment. “We need help to start small businesses and gain independence,” he noted.
Abubakar Marrah, chairperson of the Youth with Disability and Skilled Network in Kabala, highlighted the dire living conditions of many PWDs. “People with epilepsy, the blind, and amputees live on the streets. We face daily discrimination and are excluded from essential services like healthcare and education,” he stated.
Education and Healthcare Gaps
Marrah also noted that schools lack ramps, specialist teachers, and inclusive classrooms, leaving children with disabilities behind. Aisha Conteh, a mother of a child with cerebral palsy, shared her struggles: “My son deserves an education, but the local school is not equipped for his needs.”
Healthcare is another major concern. Specialized services are often unavailable, forcing many to endure pain and financial hardship. Isata Bangura, a polio survivor, said, “I’ve missed treatments because I couldn’t afford the journey or expenses.”
Calls for Inclusion and Action
PWDs urged the government, NGOs, and the private sector to prioritize disability-inclusive initiatives, including the establishment of vocational training centers for skills like tailoring, carpentry, and soap making. Alhaji Jalloh, a deaf tailor in Falaba, said through sign language, “I want to show others that we can succeed if given a chance.”
The appeal reflects the resilience of these communities but underscores the need for systemic change. “Disability doesn’t mean inability. We just need the support to rise above our challenges,” said Koroma.
A Call for Radical Inclusion
While humanitarian efforts have made some progress, PWDs believe more comprehensive and sustained action is required. Their plea is a reminder that inclusivity is essential to building a society where everyone can thrive.
The resilience of PWDs in Koinadugu and Falaba is commendable, but it must be met with action from stakeholders to ensure no one is left behind in the journey toward a more inclusive Sierra Leone.