Caritas Freetown

Caritas Freetown Caritas Freetown develop several programs:youth and gender empowerment,education, livelihoods, relief, rehabilitation, healthcare delivery, human rights...

Tzu Chi Foundation Trains 60 CDMC Members on Fire and Flood Disaster PreparednessAs part of its ongoing efforts to stren...
28/08/2026

Tzu Chi Foundation Trains 60 CDMC Members on Fire and Flood Disaster Preparedness

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce the risks associated with fire and flooding in vulnerable communities, the Tzu Chi Foundation organized a one-day training session for 60 Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) members from Moa Wharf and Bottom Oku communities.

The training was held on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at the St. John Paul II Pastoral Center on Skye Street. It focused on emergency response, preparedness, mitigation, and effective community-level actions to prevent and respond to fire and flood disasters.

Sabina Thompson, Outreach Officer for the Tzu Chi Foundation, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of sharing the knowledge gained during the training with other community members who were unable to attend. She encouraged participants to become knowledge multipliers within their respective communities, stressing that disaster preparedness requires communities to take action before disasters strike.

She further encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the training and to use the knowledge acquired to strengthen preparedness and resilience within their communities.

An overview of the Tzu Chi Foundation’s work in Sierra Leone was presented by Margaret Bassie, Tzu Chi Representative for Sierra Leone. She highlighted several initiatives implemented by the Foundation, including drainage cleaning, WASH facilities, biodigester projects, agricultural activities, women’s empowerment through tailoring, and the distribution of rice and multigrain to vulnerable groups.

Bassie encouraged participants to work honestly and responsibly with the Tzu Chi Foundation and urged them to maintain a spirit of cooperation and unity when addressing disaster risks within their communities. She also expressed appreciation to the participants for setting aside their busy schedules to attend the training.

Participants were subsequently given the opportunity to share their expectations, particularly the knowledge and practical skills they hoped to gain in emergency preparedness, disaster response, fire prevention, and flood mitigation.

The technical session on fire safety was facilitated by Dr. Bai Kamara of the National Fire Force. He explained that fire is a chemical reaction that produces heat and light and introduced participants to the basic principles of fire science. He also discussed different types of fire and explained the distinction between controllable and uncontrollable fires.

Dr. Kamara further explained the role of the National Fire Force, which includes fire prevention, public awareness, emergency response, and rescue operations across Sierra Leone. He noted that the Fire Force should not only be contacted during fire incidents but also in situations involving accidents, as the institution has specialized equipment and trained personnel capable of rescuing victims.

He emphasized that fire can be a useful servant when properly controlled, particularly in cooking, electricity, motor vehicles, and other everyday activities. However, when improperly handled, fire can quickly become destructive and life-threatening.

Participants were educated on key fire prevention measures, including avoiding the overloading of electrical meters and circuits, conducting regular maintenance of electrical systems, storing petrol and other flammable fuels safely, and educating and training community members on fire safety.

The training also addressed flooding, including its types, causes, impacts, and mitigation measures. Flooding was described as the overflow of water beyond its normal level. Participants were introduced to urban flooding, which is often associated with inadequate drainage and infrastructure challenges, as well as coastal flooding, which affects communities located along coastal areas and other vulnerable zones.

Dr. Kamara explained that flood mitigation involves both structural and non-structural measures. Structural measures include constructing, maintaining, and improving drainage systems and avoiding construction on waterways. Non-structural measures include policies, regulations, land-use planning, public education, early preparedness, and community-based disaster risk reduction.

Reflecting on the training, Osman Sesay, a beneficiary from Bottom Oku Community, said he had gained valuable knowledge, particularly on fire preparedness. He highlighted the importance of safe fuel storage and the use of appropriate electrical cables when wiring houses to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks.

A group work session was also conducted, allowing participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training. Working in groups, participants developed practical ideas on how their communities could better prepare for, prevent, and respond to fire and flood incidents.

At the conclusion of the training, participants expressed their appreciation to the facilitators and the Tzu Chi Foundation for providing practical knowledge, skills, and techniques to strengthen disaster preparedness and response within their communities.

The training represents another important step toward strengthening community resilience and reducing disaster risks in vulnerable communities. Through continued collaboration with CDMCs and other community stakeholders, the Tzu Chi Foundation remains committed to supporting disaster preparedness, promoting safer communities, and improving the lives and well-being of Sierra Leoneans.

With The Fig Tree Children – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉
22/08/2026

With The Fig Tree Children – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

STATEMENT AND POSITION OF CARITAS FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONEWorld Humanitarian Day 2026Protect Those Who Protect HumanityOn ...
19/08/2026

STATEMENT AND POSITION OF CARITAS FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

World Humanitarian Day 2026

Protect Those Who Protect Humanity

On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day 2026, Caritas Freetown joins the global humanitarian community in honouring humanitarian workers who dedicate their lives to serving people affected by conflict, disasters, displacement, poverty, disease, and other humanitarian emergencies.

Today, we stand in solidarity with humanitarian workers everywhere, particularly those serving on the front lines and within local communities, often under difficult conditions and at considerable personal risk. We remember with gratitude those who have been injured, threatened, or lost their lives while serving humanity.

Our Position

Caritas Freetown firmly maintains that humanitarian workers must be respected and protected. Humanitarian personnel, health workers, volunteers, religious actors, and local responders must never become targets because they have chosen to serve people in need.

We call for full respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Civilians must be protected, and humanitarian organizations must be allowed safe and unhindered access to communities in need.

As a Catholic humanitarian and development organization rooted in local communities, Caritas Freetown also emphasizes the essential contribution of local and faith-based actors. Religious leaders and faith communities are often present before a crisis begins, remain with communities throughout the emergency, and continue accompanying them long after international attention has moved elsewhere.

For this reason, we strongly support greater localization of humanitarian action—empowering local organizations and communities with the resources, capacity, participation, and decision-making authority necessary to respond effectively to their own realities.

In Sierra Leone, our experiences of conflict, Ebola, floods, landslides, fires, economic hardship, and other emergencies have taught us that humanitarian response must go beyond providing immediate assistance. It must protect human dignity, strengthen resilience, promote peace, safeguard the most vulnerable, and help communities rebuild their lives.

Caritas Freetown therefore calls upon governments, international institutions, humanitarian organizations, donors, religious leaders, civil society, and communities to work together to:

* Protect humanitarian workers and volunteers and ensure accountability for attacks against them.
* Respect International Humanitarian Law and protect civilians in situations of armed conflict.
* Strengthen local and faith-based humanitarian organizations and ensure their meaningful participation in humanitarian decision-making.
* Guarantee safe, timely, and unhindered humanitarian access to people in need.
* Place human dignity, accountability, safeguarding, peace, and solidarity at the heart of every humanitarian response.

On this World Humanitarian Day, we renew our commitment to accompany vulnerable communities without discrimination and to serve wherever human dignity is threatened.

We honour those who serve.
We remember those who have fallen.
We stand with communities affected by crisis.
And we call upon the world to protect those who protect humanity.

Caritas Freetown – Sierra Leone
Faith in Action. Service to Humanity.

Strengthening Community Preparedness: Caritas Freetown Trains Community Disaster Management Committees in Risk Mapping a...
18/08/2026

Strengthening Community Preparedness: Caritas Freetown Trains Community Disaster Management Committees in Risk Mapping and Emergency Preparedness.

Caritas Freetown, with funding support from Trócaire, conducted a two-day Community Disaster Preparedness, Risk Mapping and Emergency Response Training and Simulation Exercise on 17th and 18th of August 2026. The activity was implemented under the project, “Strengthening Community Disaster Preparedness, Flood Mitigation, Climate Resilience, and Emergency Response Systems in Vulnerable Communities of Western Area Urban, Sierra Leone.”

The training brought together a total of 45 participants (30 CDMC members from Bottom Oku, Moa Wharf and Moyiba communities) and 15 Caritas Freetown project staff and volunteers to strengthen community-level capacity to understand disaster risks, identify hazards and vulnerabilities, improve preparedness and early warning, strengthen basic emergency response skills, and promote coordinated and inclusive action before and during disasters.

The first day, held on 17th August 2026 at Edward Compound, Kingtom, focused mainly on building participants' knowledge and understanding of disaster preparedness, community risk mapping and first aid. The training adopted a participatory approach that encouraged participants to draw on their own experiences and knowledge of the communities in which they live.

The first session, facilitated by the Chairman of the CDMC National Secretariat, Daniel Bob Jones, focused on the social memory of disaster events, mapping of disaster responders and communication preferences. Participants reflected on previous disasters and hazards that had affected their communities over the years. Flooding, mudslides and fire incidents emerged as some of the major hazards experienced between 2016 and 2026. The exercise demonstrated that communities already possess significant knowledge about the risks they face and that these experiences can provide an important foundation for preparedness planning.

The second session, facilitated by Madam Philomena from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), focused on understanding disasters and risks and conducting community risk mapping. Participants were introduced to key concepts such as hazards, risks, vulnerability, capacity, mitigation, preparedness and resilience. The discussion helped participants understand how hazards interact with existing vulnerabilities and capacities to determine the potential impact of a disaster. Participants were encouraged to identify hazard-prone areas, vulnerable people and locations, available community resources, early warning signs and systems, existing community capacities, safe areas, important facilities and locations requiring mitigation or preparedness interventions.

The final session of the first day was facilitated by Paul Kargbo from the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and focused on the definition, principles and practice of first aid for disaster management. Participants learned about the importance of providing immediate assistance to injured or critically affected persons while awaiting professional medical support. The session considered emergency situations such as fires, drowning, accidents and other incidents that may occur within communities. The interactive nature of the session allowed participants to ask questions and share their experiences, while the practical demonstration helped strengthen their understanding of the role of first aid in community-level emergency response.

The second day of the training, held on 18 August 2026 at Kolleh Town, built on the knowledge gained during the first day and placed greater emphasis on practical disaster response, emergency safety, first aid, rescue preparedness and community risk identification. The day opened with remarks from CDMC Chairman Daniel Bob Jones, who reinforced the message that preparedness must begin before an emergency occurs. He encouraged CDMC members to continuously identify risks, educate community members, keep roads and pathways clear, identify alternative access routes and work with residents to reduce vulnerabilities, particularly those associated with flooding.

Participants also discussed rescue preparedness and the need for community volunteers to have access to basic tools and protective equipment such as ropes, gloves, headlamps, cutters and hammers. At the same time, emphasis was placed on volunteer safety and the importance of ensuring that community responders understand how to use equipment safely and recognise situations where professional emergency responders are required.

First aid remained an important component of the second day's activities. A representative from the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society facilitated a practical session that allowed participants to further explore how immediate assistance can be provided during emergencies while awaiting professional medical support.

Risk mapping also continued during the second day, with participants identifying hazards such as flooding, fires, blocked drainage systems, unsafe buildings and poor roads. They also identified important community resources and facilities, including hospitals, health centres, schools, markets, roads, open spaces, water sources and communication facilities.

The two-day activity concluded with a strong emphasis on transforming knowledge into practical community action. Participants were reminded that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility involving government institutions, humanitarian organisations, local authorities, community leaders, CDMCs, volunteers and residents.

The simulation exercises provided CDMC members with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training. Participants will further put this knowledge into practice during the community risk-mapping activities planned for the following days, where they will work with community members to identify hazards, vulnerable areas, available resources and important facilities within their respective communities.

Caritas Freetown and Trócaire recognise that strengthening CDMCs and equipping community volunteers and other local actors with practical knowledge and skills will enhance their capacity to prevent and mitigate disaster risks and serve as effective first responders when disasters occur.



Tzu Chi Foundation and Partners Support Vulnerable Persons with Annual Rice and Multi-Grain DistributionThe Tzu Chi Foun...
15/08/2026

Tzu Chi Foundation and Partners Support Vulnerable Persons with Annual Rice and Multi-Grain Distribution

The Tzu Chi Foundation, in collaboration with Caritas Freetown, Lanyi Foundation, and Healey International Relief Foundation, has successfully concluded its annual rice and multi-grain distribution exercise, providing essential food assistance to more than 2,000 visually impaired and physically challenged persons and their families across the Western Area Urban and Rural Districts.

The three-day humanitarian outreach, which commenced on 11th August and concluded on 13th August 2026, was aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and households experiencing economic hardship and challenges in meeting their daily nutritional needs.

During the distribution exercise, the team visited several communities and institutions, including communities of visually impaired persons in Hamilton, Kossoh Town, Waterloo, and Central Freetown. Beneficiaries received bags of rice and multi-grains to help reduce household food insecurity and ease the financial pressure associated with purchasing essential food items.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Margaret Bassie, Representative of the Tzu Chi Foundation in Sierra Leone, encouraged beneficiaries to appreciate the generosity and kindness of the donors whose contributions made the intervention possible.

She emphasized that acts of compassion and solidarity, including the annual rice and multi-grain distribution, demonstrate the importance of supporting vulnerable individuals and families, particularly those facing economic difficulties.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Isatu Kamara, Secretary of the Visually Impaired Persons Association in Kossoh Town, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of beneficiaries and their families to the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners for their continued support.

She noted that the donation had provided significant relief to many families experiencing financial difficulties and had enabled them to better manage their household needs.

One of the beneficiaries, Abdul Sesay, also expressed gratitude for the assistance, explaining that the rice and multi-grain donation had reduced the financial pressure associated with purchasing food.

He added that the money that would otherwise have been spent on rice could now be redirected towards other essential needs within his household.

The annual distribution is part of the continued humanitarian commitment of the Tzu Chi Foundation and its partners to supporting vulnerable communities through food assistance and promoting social inclusion. The collaboration demonstrates how coordinated humanitarian action can provide practical relief to families facing economic hardship while strengthening dignity and solidarity within communities.

As the three-day exercise comes to an end, the support provided is expected to contribute to improved household food security among beneficiaries and offer much-needed relief to vulnerable families across the Western Area. The continued partnership between the Tzu Chi Foundation, Caritas Freetown, Lanyi Foundation, and Healey International Relief Foundation remains an important contribution to humanitarian assistance and the promotion of a more inclusive and supportive society in Sierra Leone.

Happy International Youth DayCaritas Freetown joins young people, partners, and stakeholders across Sierra Leone and aro...
12/08/2026

Happy International Youth Day

Caritas Freetown joins young people, partners, and stakeholders across Sierra Leone and around the world in celebrating International Youth Day 2026 under the theme:
“Harnessing Youth Innovation and Resilience for National Transformation.”

Today, we stand in solidarity with young people across Sierra Leone, recognising their strength, creativity, resilience, and determination to contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future.

Through our programmes and interventions, Caritas Freetown supports young people to heal, grow, build resilience, and thrive, including through:

🔹 Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI): An evidence-based group psychosocial programme that strengthens resilience, life skills, and readiness to navigate life’s challenges.

🔹 Rehabilitation & Reintegration (KUSH): Supporting children and young people affected by substance use and other vulnerabilities, helping them return to safety, stability, dignity, and hope.

🔹 Youth in Peacebuilding: Empowering young people to actively contribute to sustainable peace, social cohesion, and community development.

🔹 Youth in Climate Change & Disaster Preparedness: Building young people’s knowledge and skills in climate change mitigation, disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community protection.

🔹 Support for Youth Survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Providing care, protection, support, and pathways towards recovery, empowerment, and dignity.

🔹 Conservation Agriculture & Livelihoods: Strengthening food security while creating sustainable livelihood and income-generating opportunities for young people.

🔹 Youth Empowerment, Skills Development & Employment: Creating pathways for young people to acquire practical skills, access opportunities, and secure meaningful and sustainable employment.

Call to Action
On this International Youth Day, we call on government, civil society, faith leaders, communities, parents, development partners, and young people themselves to:

1. Invest in young people by creating opportunities for skills development, wellbeing, education, and sustainable livelihoods.
2. Protect young people from harm and strengthen support systems for GBV survivors and vulnerable children and youth.
3. Embrace and support youth-led ideas and innovations that can contribute to national transformation.
4. Stand together in solidarity, because youth resilience deserves support, investment, and action, not silence.

Caritas Freetown celebrates you, the young people who continue to inspire change. We remain committed to journeying with you towards healing, empowerment, resilience, peace, and national transformation.
Happy International Youth Day 2026.





Caritas Freetown and Partners Strengthen Community Mental Health Services Through Youth Readiness Intervention Training....
11/08/2026

Caritas Freetown and Partners Strengthen Community Mental Health Services Through Youth Readiness Intervention Training.

Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with Boston College, the Government of Sierra Leone, (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Youth Affairs with support from Being, has successfully trained Health Workers (CHWs), Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, and Youth Officers to deliver the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) across the districts of Port Loko, Bo, and Kenema.

The 10-day training, held from 29 June to 10 July 2026 under the Elevate Project, brought together approximately 102 participants and equipped them with the knowledge, practical skills, and facilitation techniques required to deliver the evidence-based Youth Readiness Intervention within their respective communities.

The training reflects a strong multi-sectoral partnership involving the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, each playing a distinct role in ensuring the successful implementation of the intervention. Community Health Workers and Mental Health Nurses from the Ministry of Health were trained to deliver the Youth Readiness Intervention directly to young people in their communities. Social Workers from the Ministry of Social Welfare received specialised training to provide psychosocial support and strengthen the protection and wellbeing of vulnerable young people throughout the intervention. Youth Officers from the Ministry of Youth Affairs were equipped to identify, mobilise, and provide ongoing support to eligible young people, ensuring that those most in need are effectively linked to the programme.

This collaborative approach demonstrates the Government of Sierra Leone's leadership and ownership of efforts to expand access to quality mental health services for young people through coordinated action across key government institutions and development partners.

The Youth Readiness Intervention is designed to support young people aged 15 to 30 who have experienced adversity and are facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, sadness, emotional distress, aggression, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Through the intervention, trained facilitators help participants build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, improve problem-solving skills, and develop healthy coping strategies that enhance their overall wellbeing.

The training formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based mental health and psychosocial support services by building the capacity of frontline professionals who work directly with vulnerable adolescents and young people across Sierra Leone.

Throughout the training, participants took part in practical exercises, role plays, group discussions, and interactive learning sessions facilitated by experienced Youth Readiness Intervention trainers. These sessions focused on building participants' confidence and competence to deliver the intervention while maintaining high standards of ethical practice, participant safety, and fidelity to the evidence-based model.
The programme was delivered in three progressive phases. The first phase focused on creating safe and supportive environments for young people, strengthening emotional awareness, and promoting self-regulation. The second phase enhanced participants' skills in effective communication, problem-solving, healthy relationship building, and interpersonal effectiveness. The final phase addressed substance use prevention and introduced practical approaches for supporting young people experiencing substance-related challenges.
By the end of the training, participants demonstrated a strong understanding of the Youth Readiness Intervention model and expressed their commitment to applying their newly acquired skills to improve mental health outcomes for young people in their communities.

One participant described the training as both practical and transformative:

"This training has given us practical tools to better understand and support young people experiencing emotional and mental health challenges. We are now better prepared to guide them towards healthier coping strategies and improved wellbeing."

The successful completion of the training marks an important milestone in expanding access to quality, community-based mental health services across the three districts. It also reinforces the value of collaboration between government institutions, Caritas Freetown, Boston College, and development partners in delivering sustainable, evidence-based mental health services for young people.

The Elevate Project's Youth Readiness Intervention is implemented through a partnership between Boston College, Caritas Freetown, the Government of Sierra Leone, and other partners, with support from Being. Through the active participation of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Government continues to provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and community-level coordination, ensuring that the intervention is effectively integrated into existing systems and reaches young people who need it most.

Being is an international mental health initiative that envisions a world where young people feel well and thrive. Hosted by Grand Challenges Canada, Being works alongside young people to improve mental health and wellbeing through research, innovation, and ecosystem building. The initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada, Fondation Botnar, and the United Kingdom's Department of Health and Social Care through UK aid and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is delivered in partnership with the Science for Africa Foundation, Orygen, and United for Global Mental Health across 12 priority countries, including Sierra Leone.


Caritas Freetown Completes Four-Day Fire and Water Safety Training to Strengthen Community Disaster PreparednessCaritas ...
09/08/2026

Caritas Freetown Completes Four-Day Fire and Water Safety Training to Strengthen Community Disaster Preparedness

Caritas Freetown has successfully concluded a four-day Fire and Water Safety Training, supported by the CRS EMPOWER project, aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and enhancing emergency response capacities among community disaster responders in some of Freetown’s most vulnerable communities.

The training, held from 5th to 8th August 2026 at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, brought together 45 participants, including 35 members of Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) from Culvert, Bottom Oku, Moa Wharf, Portee, Kingtom, Levuma, and Kissy Brook, alongside 10 Caritas Freetown staff.

The training brought together technical expertise from the Freetown City Council (FCC), National Fire Force (NFF), Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS), National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs).

Day One: Community Disaster Risk Mapping and Preparedness
The first day marked the official opening of the training. Participants were introduced to social memory of events, community hazard mapping, and vulnerability and risk mapping. The sessions were facilitated by the National Chairman of CDMCs, Mr. Bob Jones, using interactive discussions and group exercises.

Participants actively engaged in discussions, shared experiences from their respective communities, and raised questions on disaster risks and preparedness. The facilitator emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among communities, government institutions, humanitarian organizations, and disaster management structures in strengthening community resilience.

The coordination with the Freetown City Council and NDMA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting disaster risk reduction initiatives and stressed the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring effective emergency preparedness and response. Participants were encouraged to remain actively engaged throughout the training and apply the knowledge and skills gained within their communities.

Day Two: Fire Prevention, Control and Mitigation
On the second day, the Director and Commander of the National Fire Force, Dr. Bai Kamara, led sessions on fire prevention, control, and mitigation.

He explained the different stages involved in fire rescue operations, key principles of fire control, and the five classes of fire, emphasizing the importance of understanding fire types in selecting appropriate prevention and response measures.

Dr. Kamara also provided participants with emergency contact numbers for reporting fire incidents:
• National Fire Force Headquarters, Circular Road: 300
• Kissy Mess Mess: 301
• Aberdeen: 302
• Western Area Rural: 309
Participants were encouraged to share these emergency contacts within their communities to facilitate timely reporting and response to fire incidents.

The Safeguarding Officer of Caritas Freetown, Madam Grace Jones, also facilitated a session on safeguarding principles. She explained key safeguarding concepts and their application during community-based disaster preparedness and emergency response. Participants actively engaged in the session and raised questions to strengthen their understanding of safeguarding and protection responsibilities.

Day Three: Disaster Response and First Aid
On the third day, a representative of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, Mr Paul Kargbo, facilitated sessions on disasters and emergency response. Participants explored the meaning of disasters and examined different causes of disasters, including natural and human-induced hazards affecting communities. The session also focused on first aid, its importance during emergencies, and appropriate procedures for providing immediate assistance to people who are injured or affected during disasters.

The practical discussions helped participants understand the importance of providing safe and timely assistance while waiting for professional emergency responders to arrive.

Day Four: Practical Emergency Response Simulation
The fourth and final day focused on a practical emergency response simulation conducted in Kolleh Town. The field exercise provided participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the previous three days in a simulated emergency situation.

During the simulation, participants demonstrated several key emergency response actions, including:
• Evacuating victims from danger and moving them to a safe location;
• Providing basic first aid to injured or affected persons;
• Contacting the National Fire Force and other relevant emergency responders;
• Supporting victims who had lost consciousness; and
• Coordinating response actions to ensure the safety of affected persons.

The simulation enabled participants to translate theoretical knowledge into practical action and provided an opportunity for facilitators to observe participants’ ability to make decisions and coordinate during an emergency.

In conclusion, the four-day Fire and Water Safety Training was highly interactive, informative, and practical. Participants actively engaged in technical sessions, group discussions, experience sharing, and practical exercises, culminating in a field-based emergency response simulation.

The training strengthened the knowledge and practical skills of Community Disaster Management Committee members and enhanced their capacity to support disaster preparedness, early response, safe evacuation, first aid, and community-level emergency coordination.

Caritas Freetown remains committed to working with communities, government institutions, humanitarian organizations, and other partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, build community resilience, and support communities to better prevent and respond to emergencies.

Address

19 Savage Street
Freetown

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Caritas Freetown posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share