Sign Language People Organization - Sierra Leone

02/06/2026

Sign Language People Organization - Sierra Leone (SLaPO) PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Today, our dedicated SLaPO staff worked together successfully on constructing a wooden frame that will be covered with a white cloth for projector displays and video production.

This screen will support our Sign Language Learning Series, educational presentations, awareness campaigns, training sessions, and other community activities. Through teamwork, innovation, and commitment, we continue to take important steps toward promoting sign language education and empowering the deaf community in Sierra Leone.

At SLaPO, we are always planning the next step forward. Together, we learn, grow, and build a more inclusive future for all.

Empowering the Deaf Community Through Education, Communication, and Opportunity.

SLaPO Admin
2nd June, 2026

28/05/2026

OPPORTUNITY IS COMING TO MAKENI!

The Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) is pleased to inform all interested youths, Deaf individuals, hearing individuals, persons with disabilities, and all members of the wider society residing in Makeni that a significant opportunity for learning, empowerment, leadership development, volunteering, and sustainable community growth is coming soon.

This initiative is designed to promote:
• Sign Language education and interpretation
• Inclusive participation across all groups in society
• Deaf and disability rights advocacy
• Leadership development and volunteer engagement
• Skills training and capacity building
• Community empowerment and social transformation
• Youth involvement and organizational participation

SLaPO strongly believes that meaningful development can only be achieved through unity, inclusion, and active participation of all people, regardless of ability or background. Every committed individual has a role to play in building a stronger, more inclusive, and empowered society.

The main purpose of this initiative is to help individuals learn Sign Language, support inclusion, and create future opportunities for committed members of the organization.

We are especially calling on people who are currently living and staying in Makeni, as we require dedicated, disciplined, and committed individuals who are ready to collaborate, contribute, and actively support the progress and expansion of SLaPO and its mission for the Deaf community and persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone.

This is not merely a program — it is a movement for transformation, equality, empowerment, and sustainable community impact.

Individuals who demonstrate commitment, integrity, discipline, teamwork, and a willingness to learn may benefit from:
• Structured training opportunities
• Volunteer and leadership roles
• Organizational engagement and project participation
• Community outreach and awareness programs
• Networking and capacity-building platforms
• Future development initiatives as SLaPO expands nationwide

Please note that registration and active participation are essential steps for anyone who is serious about growing within the organization and preparing for future opportunities.

This opportunity is intended for serious-minded individuals who believe in inclusion, empowerment, equality, and collective progress for all members of society.

For more information, or if you need to visit our office, kindly contact us or come directly:

🌐Website: www.signlanguagepeople.org
📍 Office: Yayah Drive, Off Jalloh Drive, Makeni–Kabala Highway, Makeni
📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Approved by:
Peter Sidikie Gbla
Founder and CEO / Executive Director
SLaPO, Sierra Leone

Motto: Empowering Deaf Voices, Building Inclusive Communities

“Together, we are building a future of inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for all Deaf people across Sierra Leone.”

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

Break Communication barriers with sign language interpreters

28/05/2026

BREAKING COMMUNITY NEWS
SLaPO WELCOMES HONORED VISITORS AS A NEW JOURNEY OF INCLUSION AND OPPORTUNITY BEGINS IN MAKENI

28th May 2026

The Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) proudly welcomed honored visitors, dedicated youths, Deaf individuals, hearing individuals, persons with disabilities, and respected community members to its office in Makeni during a remarkable and inspiring engagement focused on the future of inclusion, empowerment, and community transformation in Sierra Leone.

The gathering represented more than an ordinary meeting, it symbolized a growing movement of hope, unity, leadership, and equal opportunity for Deaf people and persons with disabilities across the nation.

During the engagement, participants were introduced to SLaPO’s vision, mission, and long-term goals aimed at strengthening Sign Language education, promoting Deaf rights, encouraging volunteerism, developing leadership capacity, and creating future opportunities for committed individuals who are ready to serve humanity and support inclusive development.

The atmosphere was filled with passion, determination, encouragement, and a shared commitment toward building a society where Deaf people and persons with disabilities are respected, included, empowered, and given equal opportunities to succeed.

SLaPO emphasized that true development cannot happen without inclusion, accessibility, teamwork, and community participation. The organization also highlighted the importance of preparing young people and community members through learning, discipline, volunteerism, and active engagement in meaningful activities that will contribute to long-term social impact.

“It is not just about time, it is about taking bold and meaningful steps toward lasting transformation,” SLaPO stated during the engagement.

The organization further noted that registration and participation remain open for serious-minded individuals who are interested in learning Sign Language, volunteering, supporting advocacy efforts, and becoming part of a growing movement dedicated to empowering the Deaf community across Sierra Leone.

Visitors expressed appreciation for the initiative and commended SLaPO for creating a platform that promotes dignity, inclusion, leadership, and opportunity for all members of society regardless of disability or background.

As SLaPO continues to expand its mission and prepare for future projects, partnerships, and development initiatives, the organization remains committed to building bridges of hope and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Together, we are building a future of inclusion, dignity, leadership, and opportunity for all Deaf people across Sierra Leone.

Empowering Deaf Voices, Building Inclusive Communities

🌐 Website: www.signlanguagepeople.org
📧 Email: [email protected]
📣 Social Media: [email protected]

11/05/2026

Calls for National Action on Sign Language Accessibility and Inclusion in Sierra Leone

Makeni, Sierra Leone – The Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) is strongly calling on the Government of Sierra Leone, development partners, NGOs, educational institutions, health sectors, media houses, private companies, and the general public to prioritize sign language accessibility and inclusion for Deaf persons across the country.

According to SLaPO, thousands of Deaf individuals in Sierra Leone continue to face daily communication barriers that limit their access to education, healthcare, employment, justice, leadership opportunities, and public services. The organization stated that many Deaf people are excluded from important national discussions and development opportunities simply because communication systems are not accessible to them.

SLaPO emphasized that sign language is not a symbol or gesture system, but a complete language used by Deaf people for communication, learning, expression, and participation in society. The organization explained that without sign language accessibility, Deaf people are often left isolated, misunderstood, and unfairly excluded from services that other citizens access freely.

The organization expressed concern that many public institutions still operate without sign language interpreters, making it difficult for Deaf persons to communicate in hospitals, police stations, courts, schools, government offices, workplaces, and emergency situations. According to SLaPO, this communication gap continues to create inequality, frustration, and emotional hardship within the Deaf community.

SLaPO further stressed that communication barriers can be dangerous, especially in healthcare and legal environments where misunderstanding may affect lives, rights, and safety. The organization noted that many Deaf individuals struggle to explain medical conditions, report crimes, access justice, or fully participate in public programs because interpreters and accessible communication systems are unavailable.

The organization also highlighted that lack of sign language awareness contributes to discrimination and negative attitudes toward Deaf people. SLaPO stated that many hearing people wrongly assume Deaf individuals are incapable or unintelligent simply because they communicate differently. The organization described such attitudes as harmful, outdated, and unfair.

SLaPO called on national stakeholders to understand that Deaf people have talents, intelligence, leadership abilities, and valuable contributions to offer Sierra Leone. The organization believes that when communication barriers are removed, Deaf individuals can fully participate in national development and positively impact their communities.

The organization urged the Government of Sierra Leone to strengthen policies and practical actions that promote accessibility and inclusion, including the recruitment of sign language interpreters, support for Deaf education, public awareness campaigns, and accessible communication in national programs and events.

SLaPO also encouraged schools, universities, media institutions, hospitals, and workplaces to begin integrating sign language services and inclusive communication practices into their operations. According to the organization, true inclusion cannot exist if Deaf people are unable to access information and communicate effectively.

The organization acknowledged that progress may take time, but stressed that inclusion begins when society chooses to listen, understand, and respect Deaf voices. SLaPO believes that Sierra Leone can become a stronger and more united nation when every citizen, regardless of disability, is given equal access, dignity, and opportunity.

“Communication is a basic human right. Deaf people should not suffer exclusion simply because society fails to provide sign language access. Disability is not inability, and Deaf voices matter in national development,” the organization stated.

SLaPO reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for sign language accessibility, inclusion, equal rights, and empowerment for Deaf persons throughout Sierra Leone. The organization also announced that it will continue engaging stakeholders, institutions, and communities to promote awareness and support long-term solutions for Deaf inclusion.

Website: www.signlanguagepeople.org
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +23275417671

Media Contact:
SLaPO Admin Team
[email protected]

11/05/2026

💗🌎💟

10/05/2026

Calls for Respect, Equal Employment, and Economic Empowerment for Deaf Persons in Sierra Leone

Makeni, Sierra Leone – The Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) is strongly calling on the Government of Sierra Leone, development partners, NGOs, private sector institutions, and the general public to respect the rights, dignity, and abilities of Deaf persons by creating equal employment opportunities and stronger empowerment programs across the country.

According to SLaPO, many Deaf individuals in Sierra Leone continue to face unemployment, discrimination, exclusion, and misunderstanding despite having intelligence, talents, skills, and the willingness to work and contribute positively to society. The organization stressed that Deafness does not reduce a person’s value, capability, or potential.

SLaPO explained that one of the greatest barriers facing Deaf persons is not disability itself, but negative attitudes, communication barriers, and lack of inclusive opportunities. Many Deaf youth complete school or skills training but still struggle to secure employment because society often underestimates their abilities or fails to provide sign language access in workplaces and institutions.

The organization expressed concern that some institutions, development partners, NGOs, and even sections of society may still lack trust and confidence in the Deaf community due to harmful stereotypes and negative labels that have existed for many years. SLaPO noted that terms such as “dumb,” “mumu,” or other disrespectful expressions continue to damage the confidence, dignity, and opportunities of Deaf individuals.

According to the organization, these attitudes can influence how some hearing people view Deaf persons, creating unfair assumptions that Deaf people are incapable, disrespectful, dishonest, or unqualified for work opportunities. SLaPO emphasized that such generalizations are unfair and harmful to the entire Deaf community.

The organization strongly stated that Deaf people, like all human beings, have different personalities, behaviors, talents, strengths, and weaknesses. Good and bad behavior can be found in every community, not only among Deaf people. SLaPO stressed that it is wrong to judge the entire Deaf community based on the actions of a few individuals.

SLaPO further explained that many Deaf persons become emotionally hurt, stressed, frustrated, and discouraged because of constant rejection, unemployment, discrimination, and lack of understanding from society. The organization believes that these barriers continue to increase poverty and hardship within the Deaf community.

The organization emphasized that Deaf people are not burdens to society. They are citizens of Sierra Leone with dreams, abilities, responsibilities, and talents given by God. SLaPO stated that Deaf individuals can succeed in education, business, agriculture, technology, tailoring, carpentry, arts, leadership, sports, and many other professional sectors when given fair opportunities and communication access.

SLaPO called on hearing people and institutions to change their mindset toward disability and understand that disability is not inability. The organization stressed that Deaf people do not want pity or discrimination, but respect, inclusion, equal opportunities, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The organization also urged society not to corrupt or destroy the image of the Deaf community through false assumptions, disrespect, or exclusion. According to SLaPO, building an inclusive Sierra Leone requires unity, understanding, equal treatment, and support for all citizens regardless of disability.

SLaPO announced that it is gradually preparing projects, partnerships, and advocacy initiatives aimed at supporting Deaf youth and adults through skills development, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihood programs. The organization stated that with unity, collaboration, wisdom, and God’s grace, positive transformation is possible.

“Deaf people are not asking for sympathy or pity. They are asking for respect, equal opportunities, communication access, and the chance to work, contribute, and live with dignity like every other citizen. Disability is not inability,” the organization stated.

SLaPO reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for inclusion, empowerment, education, employment opportunities, and equal rights for Deaf persons throughout Sierra Leone.

Website: www.signlanguagepeople.org.com
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +23275417671

Media Contact:
SLaPO Admin Team
[email protected]

10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day ❤️❤️❤️

09/05/2026

SLaPO Calls for Stronger Inclusive Education for Deaf Children in Sierra Leone

Makeni, Sierra Leone – The Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) is calling on the Government of Sierra Leone, educational authorities, development partners, and stakeholders to strengthen inclusive education opportunities for Deaf children across the country.

According to SLaPO, many Deaf children in Sierra Leone continue to face serious barriers in accessing quality education due to the shortage of sign language interpreters, limited trained teachers for Deaf education, lack of learning materials, and poor awareness about Deaf communication needs.

The organization emphasized that education is a fundamental human right and that Deaf children should not be left behind because of communication barriers. SLaPO believes that when Deaf learners are taught through sign language and inclusive methods, they can achieve their academic goals and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Speaking on the issue, SLaPO noted that many Deaf children are still excluded from classrooms or struggle to fully understand lessons because schools are not adequately prepared to support them. The organization explained that some families also face difficulties in finding schools with proper learning support for Deaf students.

SLaPO further stressed that inclusive education is not only about placing Deaf children in classrooms, but also about ensuring equal participation, communication access, and a supportive learning environment that respects Deaf culture and sign language.

The organization acknowledged important schools serving Deaf learners in Sierra Leone, including St. Joseph's School for the Hearing Impaired in Makeni, the National School for the Deaf in Freetown, and Albert Kakua School for the Deaf in Bo. SLaPO recognizes the efforts these institutions continue to make despite existing challenges and limitations that are not always easy to overcome.

SLaPO stated that while many difficulties still exist, the organization believes that progress can continue step by step through unity, collaboration, wisdom, and commitment. The organization emphasized that with God’s grace, positive change will continue for the Deaf community in Sierra Leone.

In 2025, SLaPO officially began collaboration with St. Joseph's School for the Hearing Impaired in Makeni after both institutions reached an agreement to work together and contribute toward improving opportunities for Deaf education and community empowerment. SLaPO described the partnership as a wonderful and wise step forward.

The organization explained that official statements and partnership request letters have already helped strengthen cooperation, and SLaPO plans to continue similar official engagement with Deaf schools and institutions in Freetown and Bo in order to build stronger national collaboration.

SLaPO also announced that it is preparing to gradually begin projects aimed at supporting Deaf individuals and promoting inclusion across Sierra Leone.

“Every Deaf child deserves the opportunity to learn, communicate, and build a better future. Inclusive education strengthens not only the Deaf community but the nation as a whole,” the organization stated.

SLaPO remains committed to advocating for accessible and inclusive education policies that ensure Deaf learners are given equal opportunities to succeed in Sierra Leone.

Website: www.signlanguagepeople.org
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +23275417671

Media Contact:
SLaPO Admin Team
[email protected]