Plan International, Social Welfare Ministry Sign Strategic MoU Ahead of 50th Anniversary
By Edward Dictionary Caulker
Plan International Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Social Welfare on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalizing and strengthening decades-long collaboration to support national social protection systems.
The agreement, signed at the Ministry’s New England Ville office, places renewed focus on improving services for vulnerable groups, including children, adolescent girls, survivors of violence, and persons with disabilities. It comes as Plan International prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in Sierra Leone in 2026.
Peter Koroma, Plan International’s Head of Program Development and Quality, said the MoU represents a shift toward deeper accountability and structured cooperation.
“This is not a mere document,” Koroma said. “It is a blueprint for joint learning, resource sharing, and delivering impact at a scale aligned with national priorities.”
Country Director of Plan International Sierra Leone, Muniratu Issifu, described the deal as both a reaffirmation of trust and a signal of the organization’s long-term presence in the country.
“For nearly five decades, Plan International has worked alongside communities,” she said. “This MoU strengthens our commitment to amplifying children’s voices, supporting youth, and improving social systems.”
Issifu noted rising concerns such as drug misuse including the spread of “kush” and said the organization will expand psychosocial support and safeguarding programs in collaboration with the government.
Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, called the partnership timely, citing increased demand for child protection, disability services, gender-based violence response, and youth support amid fiscal pressures.
“With the demand on our ministry growing daily, strategic partnerships like this are essential,” the Minister said.
She highlighted the newly enacted Social Work Regulatory Act, which introduces licensing standards for practitioners and institutions an approach she said aligns with Plan International’s emphasis on quality and accountability.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary said the agreement provides a clear framework for coordinated response to emerging social challenges.
The MoU sets the foundation for scaling child protection initiatives, enhancing disability support, strengthening violence prevention programming, expanding youth empowerment interventions, improving drug abuse response, and boosting community-based safeguarding efforts.
The signing also forms part of preparations for Plan International’s 50th anniversary in Sierra Leone next year, during which the organization is expected to outline its strategic direction for the coming decades.
