Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Plan International Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Social Welfare have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry’s New England Ville office in Freetown, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration for the protection and support of vulnerable groups across the country.
The agreement aims to formalize cooperation between the Ministry and Plan International, ensuring better coordination, resource sharing, and joint implementation of social welfare interventions nationwide.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Peter Koroma, Plan International’s Head of Programme Development and Quality, said the MoU underscores the significance of working closely with key government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Social Welfare, to effectively address child vulnerability and social welfare concerns.
Koroma noted that the partnership is not a legal obligation but a commitment to mutual learning, structured coordination, and complementing each other’s efforts.
“The MoU will help guide how we work together, learn from one another, and ensure our interventions are aligned with national priorities,” he said. “This framework allows us to better address the needs of vulnerable people across Sierra Leone.”
He added that the agreement would strengthen joint planning, enhance accountability, and ensure both sides operate with a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities.
Plan International’s Country Director, Muniratu Issifu, emphasized that the organization has supported Sierra Leone’s social development for the past 50 years and is committed to continuing for the next 50.
She highlighted the MoU as a tool to enhance capacity building, psychosocial support, and youth-centered initiatives while contributing towards the national safeguarding policy currently being developed.
“We know the issue of kush is very dear to the Ministry, and we are ready to work together to address it,” she said. “We appreciate the Ministry’s openness because our work cannot be done in isolation. Whatever we do is to support what government does.”
Issifu thanked the Ministry’s leadership and staff for their continued collaboration and reaffirmed Plan International’s dedication to achieving meaningful change for children, young people, and vulnerable groups.
Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, welcomed the MoU as a crucial step in formalizing long-standing cooperation between the Ministry and Plan International. She stressed that strategic partnerships are essential, particularly as the Ministry faces fiscal challenges and rising demands for social welfare services.
“The Ministry continues to deal with issues affecting children, youth, women, the aged, persons living with disabilities, and survivors of violence,” she said. “With limited resources, we rely on strong partnerships to complement government efforts.”
Minister Karminty also referenced the newly enacted Social Work Regulatory Act, which aims to professionalize social work practice in Sierra Leone by establishing a regulatory council and licensing system for practitioners and institutions.
“This MoU aligns with our commitment to strengthening social welfare systems and ensuring service delivery meets the highest professional standards,” she added.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry reaffirmed that the partnership is built on shared commitment, mutual benefit, and community-centered action. He noted that the agreement will enhance coordination and ensure both institutions move forward with aligned priorities.
“We are looking to build a relationship where both sides win,” he said. “Through this collaboration, we can respond effectively to new challenges and continue supporting vulnerable populations.”
The ceremony concluded with the official Signing of the MoU and a pledge from both parties to ensure the MoU becomes a practical tool for coordinated action, improved services, and long-term support to vulnerable communities.
The partnership is expected to strengthen ongoing initiatives addressing child protection, drug abuse, disability support, violence prevention, and other pressing social welfare issues across the country.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
