National Commission for People with Disabilities Distributes 200 Carts to Disabled Individuals
By: Sorie Sesay
The National Commission for People with Disabilities, in collaboration with Mobility Sierra Leone, has distributed 200 mobility carts to people with disabilities across the country.
Many of the beneficiaries have faced challenges in moving from one place to another, making daily activities difficult.
Speaking at the distribution event, the Chairman of the National Commission for People with Disabilities emphasized the commission’s commitment to improving the lives of disabled individuals. “Since I assumed office, I have been working tirelessly to ensure that people with disabilities live a more dignified life. Today, we are here with Mobility Sierra Leone, one of the NGOs that have been instrumental in providing different types of mobility aids. These carts will enable recipients to travel to work, school, and other places with ease. Being disabled does not mean one is incapable. The carts distributed today are durable and will significantly help in daily activities. With the support of the government, the Ministry of Social Welfare, MDAs, local NGOs, and international organizations, we have been striving to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities nationwide.”
One of the beneficiaries, Ramatu Kargbo, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I feel very happy because I can no longer use crutches due to my increasing weight. I sincerely thank the government and all those who contributed to this initiative. The commission has been working hard to support us, and the chairman has been making great efforts to ensure we live in better conditions.”
Similarly, Alusine Manasay, the Chairman of the District Disabled Association, acknowledged the impact of the donation. “We are grateful for these carts that have been provided to some of us, and we appeal for more support for those who have not yet received them. We extend our appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone, the commission, and Mobility Sierra Leone for their invaluable assistance. We look forward to continued support from the government, international NGOs, and local partners.”
Lamin Manasay, the Program Manager for Mobility Sierra Leone, highlighted the organization’s dedication to providing mobility aids for disabled individuals in Sierra Leone and other countries over the past 15 years. He pointed out a significant challenge faced by the organization—the high cost of shipping mobility carts from abroad. “One of the major obstacles we face is the delayed access to shipped mobility aids due to high shipment costs. We call on the government, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the National Commission for People with Disabilities to address this issue, as it has been a longstanding challenge for us.”
The distribution of these 200 mobility carts marks a significant step towards improving the mobility and independence of people with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
