Faith Groups and NDLEA Support Freetown’s Recovery Community.

Last Saturday, the Kossoh Town Jui community field was a scene of more than just a handout—it was a gathering of solidarity. There, volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Light of the World) worked side-by-side with officers from Sierra Leone’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Together, they packed and distributed essential food supplies to nine local rehabilitation centers. This event, held on December 6, 2025, put a spotlight on tangible compassion, offering nourishment and recognition to individuals in the midst of their recovery journeys.

The mix of people in attendance reflected a whole-community approach. You had church elders in simple attire, NDLEA officials in crisp uniforms, and managers from rehab centers who understand the daily struggles of addiction. Key faces in the crowd included Mrs. Valerie Young, who helps lead the church’s communications, and Mr. Ibrahim Samuel Dugba, a top director at NDLEA focused on prevention. They were joined by teams from Caritas Sierra Leone and several youth outreach groups, all connected by a common mission.

Mrs. Young kicked things off by thanking the local community for their welcome. “Our annual outreach takes different forms,” she explained, “but this year, we felt called to stand with those healing from addiction. It’s about offering more than aid it’s about showing unwavering support.” Elder Pambu later echoed this, noting that similar efforts were unfolding globally, yet each one addresses the specific needs right on its doorstep.

The talks that followed got real about the challenges at hand. A representative from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bangura, didn’t shy away from the harsh health realities of drug misuse, urging everyone to champion recovery options. Alimamy Rashid Kamara from Caritas Sierra Leone then detailed the alarming spread of substances like kush. He outlined their hands-on response: school programs, radio shows, and even a dedicated rehab center in Newton built to offer a fresh start.

But the most gripping moments came from personal stories. Ibrahim Kamara, who leads the Exodus Youth Empowerment Movement, held the crowd’s attention as he spoke about his past addiction and his path to becoming an advocate. His group then performed a short, raw drama that vividly portrayed how drugs can derail a life. Others, like Michael Tamba Komba and Antonette Kargbo, shared their own powerful testimonies of loss, struggle, and gradual recovery, reminding everyone why this work matters.

NDLEA’s Samuel Dugba gave the final address, praising the uncommon partnership. “This is not just a charity event,” he stressed. “It’s a statement that we see these individuals not as problems, but as people.” He called for families to lead with understanding and reminded those in recovery, “Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.”

As the sun began to lower, the real work culminated. Bags of rice, gallons of oil, and other staples were handed over to center representatives—not just as supplies, but as a symbol of sustained belief in every person’s capacity to heal. The day closed with handshakes, group photos, and a shared sense that supporting recovery is about feeding both the body and the spirit.

Prepared by K & K Multimedia SL.

Contact: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints