The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) has applauded the successful completion of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund project, praising its transformative impact on Youth with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the close-out event held at the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) conference Hall in Freetown on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, NCPD’s Information, Communication & Outreach Manager, Mawusie P. I Dumbuya Esq. commended the UN Peacebuilding Fund, CRS, and Caritas for their commitment to inclusive development. “This project has been truly inclusive from inception to close-out, ensuring that youth with disabilities were meaningfully included at every stage,” he declared.
He revealed that CRS partnered with NCPD through Caritas Sierra Leone to engage representatives from political parties, traditional and religious leaders, as well as disabled youths and Youth in five districts.
He furthered that the project exemplifies the fundamental principle that “there’s nothing for us without us”, adding that the CRS and Caritas created the platform for an inclusive and conducive ecosystem for YWDs to participate effectively in the project.
He said the initiative focused on raising awareness about political participation and carefully explained Recommendations 50 and 52 of the Tripartite Recommendations to Youth with disabilities, equipping them with knowledge about their democratic rights and roles.
Dumbuya revealed that the project aligns with NCPD’s mission to transform the lives of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone; “the Commission will continue to champion inclusive policies and programs that recognize the valuable contributions of persons with disabilities that contribute to national development and peacebuilding”.
Concluding that the Commission is grateful to have been part of the project, “on behalf of the Chairman, Management and PWDs, we say thank you”.
Jeanne Ella Andrianambinina, CRS Country Representative, emphasized that the two (2) years project was implemented across five districts with the primary objective of promoting sustainable peacebuilding through inclusive youth engagement.
She revealed that the project achieved remarkable success, reaching 93% of its target by engaging Youth with disabilities across five districts.
Jane Kamara, a visually impaired youth who benefited directly from the initiative, said that Youth with disabilities are often left out of decision-making and that they are not included in most projects. However, this project has bridged that gap, and inclusion has been key throughout the implementation process”
Stating that she is grateful to the funders, partners, and the Commission for creating this vital platform.
NCPD remains committed to building on these achievements, working tirelessly to ensure that persons with disabilities continue to be recognised as equal partners in Sierra Leone’s journey toward inclusive development and lasting peace.
Other speakers at the event include the National Council for Civil Education and Democracy, Caritas Sierra Leone, SLANGO, and the UN Resident Coordinator.