24/07/2026
SLaPO Participates in National Dialogue on Building Inclusive Communities Through Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) in Sierra Leone
Makeni, Sierra Leone | 22 July 2026
The Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) is honored to announce that its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Sidikie Gbla, was officially invited by the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) to participate in the National Dialogue on Strengthening Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) in Sierra Leone, held at the Conference Hall of the Makeni City Council (MCC) on 22 July 2026.
The national dialogue, held under the theme "Building Inclusive Communities," brought together representatives from the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), One Family People (OFP), the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organizations, development partners, local authorities, and other key stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for advancing disability inclusion and strengthening Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) across Sierra Leone.
A major highlight of the event was the official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) and One Family People (OFP). The agreement was signed by Mr. Brima Abdulai Sheriff, Chief Commissioner of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, and Mr. Samuel Macauley, Acting Director of One Family People (OFP). This strategic partnership is funded by Liliane Fonds and aims to strengthen Community-Based Rehabilitation initiatives while promoting inclusive and accessible communities throughout Sierra Leone.
As a Deaf-led organization, SLaPO proudly witnessed this historic milestone, which demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration, improving disability-inclusive policies, and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities throughout the country.
During the dialogue, participants received presentations, technical guidance, and practical instructions on the implementation of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), disability rights, inclusive community development, policy implementation, and the important role of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and disability groups in achieving sustainable and inclusive national development. The discussions encouraged stronger partnerships among government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and OPDs to ensure that no person with a disability is left behind.
Speaking after the event, Peter Sidikie Gbla, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SLaPO, said:
"We sincerely thank the National Commission for Persons with Disability for inviting SLaPO to participate in this important national dialogue. This platform has strengthened our commitment to advocating for the rights of Deaf people and promoting Sierra Leone Sign Language as a key pillar of accessibility and inclusion. We also congratulate NCPD, One Family People, and Liliane Fonds for establishing this strategic partnership, which will contribute significantly to building inclusive communities across Sierra Leone."
SLaPO reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), One Family People (OFP), the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), government institutions, development partners, and fellow Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to promote equal opportunities, accessibility, and the full participation of Deaf people and all persons with disabilities in national development.
About Sign Language People Organization - Sierra Leone (SLaPO)
The Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) is a Deaf-led, non-governmental organization based in Makeni, Sierra Leone. Established in 2019, SLaPO is committed to promoting Sierra Leone Sign Language, advancing the rights of Deaf people, supporting inclusive education, empowering Deaf youth and women, and building communities where every person enjoys equal opportunities and full participation.
Motto: Empowering Deaf Voices, Building Inclusive Communities.
