VISIT TO SIERRA LEONE: The Youth Committee of the Inclusive Society Platform on an Inclusion Immersion Mission

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Mission report by Clementine Bella, delegation member
Journalistic writing: Etienne Didier ONANA

Freetown – Makeni, April 13–14, 2026 – The Youth Committee of the Inclusive Society Platform carried out a 48-hour working mission to Sierra Leone as part of South-South exchanges on best practices for the inclusion of persons with disabilities. The visit was packed with strategic meetings and experience-sharing sessions.

Monday, April 13, 2026: Freetown, at the Heart of Institutions*

9:00 a.m.: Departure Briefing

The day began with a brief coordination meeting of the Cameroonian delegation before departing for the Sightsavers Country Office in Sierra Leone, the focal point of the mission.

Morning: Strategic Discussions at Sightsavers
The delegation was received at the Sightsavers Country Office for a working session structured around four key areas:

1. Welcome and introductions with the Sightsavers Sierra Leone team;
2. General presentation of the country, including safety advice and recommendations for the delegation;
3. Presentation of the CPP project – Comprehensive Programme for Persons with Disabilities;
4. Presentation of the African Group of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities.

Afternoon: Engagement with the NCPD

The delegation then met with the National Committee for Persons with Disability (NCPD). The session proceeded as follows:

• Individual introductions of participants;
• Opening remarks by the NCPD Chairperson;
• Presentation of the NCPD’s missions, activities, and challenges;
• Exchange and Q&A session;
• Group photo to mark the meeting.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026: From Freetown to Bombali, in the Field of Inclusive Civic Education

Morning: Visit to NACCED

The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NACCED), based in Freetown, welcomed the delegation. As a key institution for civic and inclusive civic education, NACCED organized a meeting following a formal protocol:

• Opening prayer;
• Individual introductions;
• Opening remarks by the NACCED Chairperson;
• Remarks by the Sightsavers Sierra Leone Country Director;
• Address by Mrs. Eyenga, Head of the Cameroonian delegation;
• Presentation of activities and results of projects led by NACCED;
• Q&A session;
• Closing remarks and group photo.

Highlight: Listening to the Sierra Leone national anthem was a memorable experience for the Youth Committee members before their departure for Bombali, in the Makeni region.

Afternoon: Meeting with DPO Leaders in Karene

In Karene, the delegation met with leaders of Disabled Persons’ Organizations (DPOs) from the local community. After formal introductions, discussions focused on encouraging these leaders in the fulfillment of their missions. The sharing of individual experiences and the success story of the Youth Committee of the Inclusive Society Platform drew strong interest, following the presentation of the Committee and the Platform.

The day ended with a fraternal community meal in Karene before the delegations parted ways.

Text: Clementine Bella, delegation member
Journalistic editing: Etienne Didier ONANA
Translation in English : Etienne Didier ONANA

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