By: Isatu Bai Kamara
In a powerful display of unity across faiths and cultures, Caritas Freetown on Thursday partnered with the Tzu Chi Foundation, Healey International Relief Foundation, and Lanyi Foundation to host a major interfaith dialogue and humanitarian outreach aimed at addressing pressing social challenges in Sierra Leone.
The engagement, which took place on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, at Sheikh Tais Academy Junior School, brought together Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, and Rastafarian leaders, alongside government officials and community stakeholders, to deliberate on shared national concerns while providing direct assistance to vulnerable households.
Chaired by Rev. Fr. Alphonso A. Carew, the programme opened with reflections on the importance of interreligious cooperation in confronting social issues that transcend belief systems. Central to the discussions was the alarming rise in youth substance abuse, particularly the use of the synthetic drug locally known as “kush,” which participants described as a growing national emergency.
Speaking during the dialogue, Rev. Fr. Joseph T. Kamanda linked the surge in drug abuse to economic hardship and unemployment, urging faith institutions to complement spiritual guidance with practical interventions such as skills training and youth empowerment initiatives. He stressed that without economic opportunities, many young people remain vulnerable to addiction and crime.
Pastor William Koroma drew parallels between the rice distribution and biblical acts of compassion, describing the outreach as a reminder that faith must be expressed through concrete action. He encouraged young people battling addiction to seek healing through faith, discipline, and community support.
From the Islamic perspective, Sheikh Fomba Abubakar Swaray emphasized that while God is merciful, human beings have a responsibility to protect themselves and others from harmful practices. He warned that drug abuse undermines families, morality, and national development.
Contributing from the Buddhist community, Mohamed Pabai and Bodhisattva Ren spoke on the principles of karma, compassion, and self-discipline, underscoring the need for practical, sustained action to rescue young people from destructive lifestyles. They noted that compassion must be lived daily through service to humanity.
Representing the Rastafarian community, Theophilus Sahr Gbenda cautioned against the devastating effects of drug abuse on youth creativity and productivity, while Saffia Sylvanus Brima called for increased community-based programmes that promote positive engagement for young people.
Government participation was led by John Conteh from the Ministry of Social Welfare, who commended the initiative as a reflection of Sierra Leone’s policy of religious tolerance and inclusiveness. He described the intervention as timely and impactful, noting that such partnerships complement government efforts to strengthen social protection and community resilience.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Tzu Chi Foundation, Margaret Bassie spoke on the theme “The Path of Universal Love,” reminding participants that compassion and unity are shared values across all faiths. “We are all spiritual cultivators,” she said, “working together within the big family of religion to serve humanity.”
The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Joseph Bangura of Caritas Freetown, who expressed gratitude to the Buddhist foundation and other partners for demonstrating solidarity beyond religious boundaries. He noted that the collaboration illustrated how faith-based institutions can work collectively to address national challenges and uplift the most vulnerable.
The event concluded with a renewed call for sustained interfaith collaboration, community-driven action against substance abuse, and continuous support for vulnerable families. Immediately after the dialogue, identified beneficiaries received essential food assistance, with each household provided three bags of rice transforming words of unity and compassion into tangible relief and hope for communities in Kissy and beyond.