By Hassan Osman Kargbo
On February 27th, 2025, Sierra Leone witnessed a momentous occasion as organizations like the World Vision, government officials, and the NGO sector came together to commemorate World NGO’S Day.
The event, held at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown, marked the formal launch of NGO Week in Sierra Leone. Spearheaded by the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), the gathering highlighted the invaluable contributions that NGOs make toward transforming lives and communities, both locally and globally.
The official ceremony was graced by the Honorable Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh, and the Honorable Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, both of whom reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its partnerships with the NGO sector. The presence of the distinguished officials underscored the importance of collaboration between government, NGOs, and the private sector in advancing sustainable development across Sierra Leone.
In his Keynote address, Vice President Dr. Juldeh Jalloh spoke to the pressing challenges facing the global development community. He acknowledged the financial constraints imposed by shrinking development aid, but stressed the critical need for NGOs to adapt to the changing landscape of global development.
Dr. Jalloh emphasized that innovation and sustainability must become central to the operations of NGOs if they are to continue making meaningful contributions to society.
He called on organizations to refine their strategies and ensure that their interventions are not only effective in the short term but also designed to drive long-term, sustainable impact. In particular, he encouraged NGOs to focus on creating community-owned solutions, ensuring that local populations have the capacity to maintain and build upon the progress made through the initiatives, to allow for lasting change that continues to benefit communities long after the projects end.
The foregoing sentiment aligns closely with the values upheld by World Vision International- Sierra Leone, which has long been committed to empowering local communities, strengthening partnerships, and delivering impactful, sustainable solutions.
Through its work in Sierra Leone, World Vision focuses on key sectors such as health, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), child protection, and livelihoods. The organization’s approach is rooted in the belief that lasting change comes from empowering individuals and communities to drive their own development, with a focus on ensuring that solutions are both scalable and sustainable.
NGO Week serves as an important reminder of the tireless efforts of NGO workers, who are often on the frontlines, working directly with vulnerable communities to address their most pressing needs.
During the event, the contributions of SLANGO, its members, and their partners were recognized and celebrated. The commitment of these organizations, as well as the dedication of frontline staff and volunteers, has been crucial in delivering essential services and support to those who need it most.
World Vision is proud to stand alongside these organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. In Sierra Leone, this includes efforts to improve access to quality healthcare, education, and clean water, as well as providing protection for children and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through collaboration with the government, development partners, and the private sector, these efforts are being amplified, contributing to the broader goal of building a stronger, more resilient Sierra Leone.
As NGO Week continues, the event was not only an opportunity for reflection but also a moment to reaffirm the commitment to collaboration.
The success of the NGO sector in Sierra Leone—and globally—depends on the strength of partnerships and the collective effort to address the challenges facing vulnerable communities. It is essential that all sectors of society, including government, NGOs, and the private sector, continue to work hand-in-hand to ensure that every child and community can thrive.
The launch of NGO Week serves as a timely reminder that the work of NGOs is more critical than ever, especially in a world where global challenges such as climate change, conflict, and economic instability threaten to undo the progress made in recent years.
By embracing innovation, focusing on sustainability, and maintaining a commitment to community-driven solutions, NGOs can continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a better future for all.
To conclude, World NGO Day and the launch of NGO Week in Sierra Leone provided a valuable platform to celebrate the progress made by NGOs while also challenging organizations to think forward and adapt to the changing landscape.
With renewed dedication and a shared commitment to innovation, the NGO sector will continue to be a key player in Sierra Leone’s development, ensuring that the country moves closer to achieving its long-term goals of poverty reduction, sustainable development, and a better quality of life for all citizens.
A huge thank you to SLANGO for spearheading such an important initiative and for their continued efforts to advance the work of NGOs across Sierra Leone. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for every child and community in the country.
