Ministry of Information Weekly Press Conference Highlights Social Welfare and Empowerment Initiatives.

Miatta Conference Hall, Freetown, 8th July, 2025: The Ministry of Information and Civic Education hosted its weekly press briefing, chaired by Hon. Chernor Bah, featuring key updates from the Ministry of Social Welfare, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and the Ministry of Fisheries. Discussions centered around social protection and economic empowerment for vulnerable groups.

Ministry of Social Welfare: Rehabilitating and Empowering Vulnerable Groups

Hon. Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare, outlined her ministry’s ongoing efforts to support the elderly, children, migrants, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). She highlighted significant progress in combating drug abuse, including the establishment of a new rehabilitation center at the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC).

She noted that 50 students from Njala University and Fourah Bay College recently completed rehabilitation programs in Gondama, Bo District, and are now being reintegrated into academic institutions in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

A $990,000 grant recently secured in New York will fund a new vocational training and economic empowerment initiative for PWDs, officially launching on 11 July 2025. The project targets street begging hotspots like Pademba Road and aims to address both security concerns and the welfare of PWDs. Six training centers will be rehabilitated and furnished with materials, while temporary shelters will be provided near the Pademba Road Prison.

Hon. Karminty also commended the newly appointed NCPD chairman for his proactive role in advancing these initiatives.

Conclusion

The press conference underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing social welfare challenges. The Ministry of Social Welfare reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development and the protection of vulnerable populations.

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