FREETOWN — Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – EMPOWER WARO Program, organized a cash distribution ceremony to assist households affected by devastating fires in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The fire incidents occurred in February-March 2024, leaving many families homeless and struggling to rebuild their lives. The affected communities, including Grafton, Savage Street, Cockle Bay, Johnson Street, and Culvert, received support.
One hundred and fifty households received cash assistance from the Rokel Commercial Bank, Congo Cross Branch. The cash vouchers included a Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance of 6500 leones for two months and shelter support of 8000 leones for one year.
The CRS EMPOWER-WARO department provided a total of 64,346 United States dollars to fund programmatic and administrative activities.
The EMPOWER WARO project aims to provide livelihood and shelter assistance to displaced fire victims, bringing hope and smiles back to their faces.
During the distribution process, beneficiaries expressed gratitude, emphasizing the real impact it will have on themselves and their families.
At the symbolic payment ceremony, stakeholders and Senior NDMA personnel also expressed messages of gratitude to CRS-EMPOWER-WARO and CARITAS FREETOWN.
Idriss Gibson Mansaray, who doubles as Project Manager for Caritas Freetown and Operations Manager for EMPOWER WARO, was also involved in the initiative where he gave a brief overview of the project.
Paul Thomas, the Regional Operations Director for the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), expressed gratitude to Caritas Freetown and CRS for their unwavering efforts in helping victims recover and find happiness.
He emphasized the importance of fire prevention to prevent further tragedies.
During the distribution, beneficiary Kadiatu Kamara received LE 6,500 at the banking hall. Overjoyed, she expressed her gratitude: “I am so thankful for this support.
Tomorrow, my family and I will enjoy a hearty meal once again. We have endured immense hardship since the fire destroyed our home. Now, holding the cash, I believe it is real.”
The distribution process proceeded smoothly, with many smiles and words of appreciation shared among the recipients.
Hassan John Sapateh, Coordinator for Local Leadership, Partnership, and Capacity Strengthening at CRS, emphasized the strategic impact of Caritas and CRS in launching the EMPOWER approach.
This approach focuses on coordination, capacity strengthening of partners, and funding for needs-based activities.
Grace Jones, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager (who also serves as the Safeguarding Officer) at Caritas Freetown, highlighted the importance of safe and dignified programming.
She emphasized that all programming should be grounded in an understanding of the protection context throughout the program cycle, ensuring safety, dignity, and meaningful access for people and communities“
Volunteers administered consent forms to beneficiaries before taking photos and capturing videos.
They were also assigned to assist women, persons with disabilities, and older individuals in receiving their cash from the tellers.
Additionally, volunteers helped accompanied them outside the bank to board vehicles to their homes.
