On Wednesday, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, along with Heads of Agency from UN Women and UNFPA, Setcheme Mongbo, and Sibeso Mululuma, and colleagues from the Resident Coordinator’s Office, visited the Mahanahiem Residential Rehabilitation Centre in Grafton, Freetown.
The visit aimed to “To have a first-hand view of the challenges faced by OPDs, especially children with disabilities and their caregivers, and assess the long and short-term needs of children with disabilities and align with the UNDIG, CF interventions, and advocacy plan.
They engaged with children, caregivers, and staff at the orphanage to understand their needs and aspirations and identify potential partnerships and resources to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for the children. The RC pledged to advocate for those left behind, especially those with disabilities at the Centre.
The Centre houses 42 residents, mostly orphans aged 2 to 16 with severe and multiple disabilities. It also cares for three pupils without disabilities. Stigma and accusations of witchcraft have led to some residents being abandoned, including two children left at the gate last week.
Edward Emmanuel, Executive Director of OFP, stated their goal is to reach more individuals affected by disability. The UN Sierra Leone has been involved in various activities and programs related to disability inclusion, such as the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, ensuring outcomes and outputs include persons with disabilities.
