By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara (The Wise Thinker)
Efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable people across Sierra Leone received a significant boost on Monday as BRAC Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Social Welfare formalized a strategic partnership aimed at expanding social protection services, reducing poverty, and promoting inclusion for marginalized groups.
The partnership was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Ministry of Social Welfare’s Conference Hall in Freetown, bringing together government officials, development practitioners, and stakeholders committed to strengthening support systems for some of the country’s most disadvantaged citizens.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions in addressing social challenges affecting women, children, persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, and extremely poor households. It is also expected to enhance access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and empowerment programmes in communities across the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister of Social Welfare, Hon. Melrose Karminty, described the partnership as a timely and important step toward achieving the Ministry’s mandate of protecting and supporting vulnerable populations.
She noted that meaningful social transformation cannot be achieved by government alone, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with development partners who share similar goals and values.
“Partnerships such as this are essential if we are to effectively respond to the growing social and economic challenges facing many of our citizens,” she said. “The Ministry remains committed to working with organizations that are dedicated to improving lives and promoting social justice.”
The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide social protection and welfare services despite resource constraints, noting that support from development organizations remains critical in expanding the reach and impact of government interventions.
She explained that the Ministry’s vision closely aligns with BRAC’s mission, particularly in the areas of poverty alleviation, social inclusion, disability rights, and support for marginalized communities.
According to her, the newly signed agreement will provide a stronger platform for coordinated action, enabling both institutions to combine expertise, resources, and experience to deliver more effective services to those most in need.
Hon. Karminty further assured BRAC of the Ministry’s willingness to create an enabling environment for successful programme implementation and sustainable development initiatives.
Representing BRAC Sierra Leone, Country Director Mr. Adolphus B.N. Doe expressed gratitude to the Ministry for embracing the partnership and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations throughout Sierra Leone.
He explained that BRAC’s interventions focus heavily on children, adolescent girls, young women, and low-income households, groups that remain central to the Ministry’s social welfare agenda.
Mr. Doe stated that BRAC operates through two complementary entities in Sierra Leone. While its non-governmental arm focuses on social and community development programmes, BRAC Microfinance works to improve economic opportunities and financial inclusion for underserved populations.
He disclosed that the organization is currently implementing major programmes in education and youth empowerment, both designed to improve opportunities for young people and contribute to long-term national development.
One of BRAC’s flagship initiatives, he revealed, is expected to reach approximately 200,000 adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 12 and 35. The programme incorporates social empowerment activities aimed at promoting behavioural change, strengthening life skills, and ensuring greater inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The Country Director also highlighted BRAC’s collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education on child protection initiatives and the development of parental guidance materials intended to improve child welfare outcomes.
Additionally, he drew attention to BRAC’s Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme, an intervention designed to help households living in extreme poverty build sustainable livelihoods and improve their living conditions through targeted support and empowerment strategies.
“These programmes naturally complement the work of the Ministry of Social Welfare and provide opportunities for deeper collaboration,” Mr. Doe said. “This agreement represents not just a formal partnership, but the beginning of a stronger and more impactful relationship dedicated to serving vulnerable communities.”
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, both institutions will collaborate on initiatives aimed at expanding social protection services and increasing access to essential resources for disadvantaged groups.
The agreement also prioritizes capacity building through training, mentorship, and skills development opportunities, particularly for girls and young women. It further supports programmes that encourage economic participation, social inclusion, and improved livelihoods for women, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Stakeholders attending the ceremony welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening Sierra Leone’s social welfare sector and advancing national development goals.
The Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed by Hon. Melrose Karminty on behalf of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Mr. Adolphus B.N. Doe on behalf of BRAC Sierra Leone.
Observers believe the collaboration will improve coordination between government and development actors, increase the efficiency of service delivery, and maximize resources directed toward addressing some of the country’s most pressing social welfare challenges.
As Sierra Leone continues to confront issues of poverty, inequality, and social vulnerability, the partnership between BRAC and the Ministry of Social Welfare is expected to play a vital role in creating opportunities, strengthening resilience, and improving the quality of life for thousands of citizens across the country.