Sign Language People Organization - Sierra Leone

04/10/2026

03/10/2026

SLBC TV Report: Advancing Sign Language Accessibility and Inclusive Participation

On 2 October 2026, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) TV hosted Miss Lovetta Moses Sundu Sesay, Sign Language Communication Coordinator of Sign Language People Organization - Sierra Leone (SLaPO), for a significant discussion on Sign Language accessibility, social inclusion, and the rights of Deaf people in Sierra Leone.

The interview provided an important platform to reflect on the successful commemoration of the International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages, while drawing national attention to the persistent barriers confronting Deaf communities. These include the shortage of qualified teachers in Deaf education, inadequate professional Sign Language interpreters, limited accessible learning resources, and insufficient communication support.

SLaPO underscored that Sign Language accessibility is not exclusively a Deaf-community concern; it is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of the entire society. Government institutions, educational institutions, families, civil society organizations, NGOs, media, businesses, and communities all have a vital role to play in creating an inclusive society in which Deaf people can communicate, learn, work, participate, and contribute to national development on an equal basis.

As part of its long-term mission, SLaPO is advancing Sign Language education through online tutorials and accessible physical learning materials, with the vision of making Sierra Leone Sign Language (SLSL) increasingly accessible to people across Sierra Leone. However, achieving this vision requires stronger partnerships, resources, and sustained institutional support.

SLaPO therefore calls upon government, development partners, civil society, the private sector, media institutions, and the wider public to move beyond awareness towards meaningful action because communication access is not a privilege; it is fundamental to dignity, equality, participation, and human rights.

“No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.”

03/10/2026

SLaPO VISION IN ACTION 🌍🤟

The International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages celebration in Makeni showcased inclusion, dignity, participation and empowerment especially for Deaf girls.

Through Article 5 and Article 7.11 of the SLaPO Constitution, we remain committed to advancing the education, protection, leadership, rights and equal opportunities of Deaf women and girls.

Deaf girls are not just participants they are future leaders and change-makers.

Inclusion is not a favour. Deaf girls’ rights are human rights.

02/10/2026

AYV REPORT: DEAF RIGHTS, SIGN LANGUAGE AND INCLUSION

The Sign Language People Organization - Sierra Leone (SLaPO) has joined partners and stakeholders to commemorate the International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages, in a powerful celebration of Deaf identity, rights, inclusion and equality.

The event was held in collaboration with One Family People (OFP), Adama Team Foundation (ATF), and the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD).

The celebration highlighted the importance of Sign Language, accessible communication, education, participation and equal opportunities for Deaf people across Sierra Leone.

As the call grows louder, stakeholders are urged to move from awareness to action—breaking communication barriers, promoting Sign Language, protecting Deaf rights, and ensuring that Deaf people are not left behind.

The message is clear: inclusion is not a favour; it is a right. Let us listen, let us act, and let us build a Sierra Leone where every Deaf person can communicate, participate, and thrive.

30/09/2026

Official Constitution & Institutional Notice!
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29/09/2026

📰 SLaPO & Partners Celebrate International Week of the Deaf

TheSign Language People Organization - Sierra Leone (SLaPO), in partnership with One Family People, NCPD, and Adama Team Foundation, proudly celebrated International Week of the Deaf and International Week of Sign Languages.

The celebration brought people together to promote sign language, Deaf rights, disability inclusion, accessibility, and equal participation, reaffirming the message: “Leave No One Behind.”

🤟 Together, we celebrate Deaf people, empower communities, and advance inclusion through sign language!

29/09/2026

SLaPO Leads Powerful Deaf Rights Mobilization in Makeni ✊🏿🤟🏿

MAKENI, SIERRA LEONE — 26 September 2026:
The Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) brought together Deaf and hearing communities, civil society organizations, government representatives, development partners, and disability-rights advocates in Makeni to mark the International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages.

The mobilization brought together participants from Bo, Kenema, Lunsar, Freetown, Makeni, and other parts of Sierra Leone, who joined a rally and conference promoting Sign Language rights, Deaf culture, equality, accessibility, dignity, and inclusion.

The event was supported through partnerships with One Family People (OFP), Adama Team Foundation (ATF), and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).

Representatives from OFP, ATF, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Polio Persons Development Association, NCPD, and SLUDI Bombali District, including directors and coordinators, participated in the celebration.

Speaking through action and unity, SLaPO and its partners emphasized that Sign Language is essential to communication, participation, and the realization of human rights for Deaf people.

“DEAF, NO ONE BEHIND!”

“NO HUMAN RIGHTS WITHOUT SIGN LANGUAGE RIGHTS!” 🤟🏿

28/09/2026

SLaPO Mobilized for Deaf Voices, Equality and Inclusion ✊🏿🤟🏿

On Saturday, 26 September 2026...
Sign Language People Organization (SLaPO) successfully mobilized Deaf people, hearing people, supporters, partners, civil society organizations, Organisations a Persons with Disabilities, Government Ministries and agencies, NGOs, institutions, and community members from Bo, Kenema, Lunsar, Freetown, Makeni, and other regions across Sierra Leone to participate in a powerful rally campaign and celebration marking International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages.

Together, we took to the streets to raise a collective voice for equality, dignity, human rights, Sign Language rights, Deaf culture, communication accessibility, social inclusion, equal opportunities, and justice for Deaf people.

Following the rally, participants gathered at the St. Joseph’s School for the Hearing Impaired Conference Hall for a meaningful conference programme dedicated to advancing awareness and understanding of Sierra Leone Sign Language, Deaf culture, inclusive education, accessibility, participation, and the fundamental rights of Deaf people.

A Heartfelt Appreciation to Everyone

SLaPO extends its deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported, participated in, and joined us throughout the rally campaign and celebration. Your presence, solidarity, encouragement, and contribution made the occasion truly meaningful and greatly appreciated.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Deaf community, hearing community, civil society organizations, Government Ministries and agencies, NGOs, schools, institutions, development partners, media organizations, community leaders, and all individuals who stood with us.

We are especially grateful to those who travelled from different parts of Sierra Leone to join this important occasion. Your commitment demonstrated the strength of collective action and solidarity in advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of Deaf people.

Your presence helped amplify the voices of those who are heard and those whose voices are too often overlooked or unheard. Together, we demonstrated that inclusion becomes meaningful when people stand together with purpose, respect, and solidarity.

This was far more than a celebration. It was a powerful expression of unity, dignity, equality, inclusion, and human solidarity—a collective declaration that Deaf people matter, Deaf voices matter, Deaf culture matters, and Sign Language matters.

SLaPO remains deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this important occasion. Your support, solidarity, and commitment will always be greatly valued and remembered.

🎉 Happy International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages in Sierra Leone! 🎉

DEAF, NO ONE BEHIND!
NO HUMAN RIGHTS WITHOUT SIGN LANGUAGE RIGHTS!
WHAT DEAF CAN, DEAF WILL! 🤟🏿

26/09/2026

We are ready for the celebration this morning. The conference hall is beautiful.

25/09/2026

❤️🙌 HELLO ! 🇸🇱

Please don’t forget! Tomorrow, 26th September, we celebrate the International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages.

📍 : Wusum Field, Makeni — 7:30 AM
📍 : St. Joseph’s School for the Hearing Impaired, Conference Hall — 9:30 AM

Come and join us in unity, love, respect, and inclusion!🤟❤️🙌

Management — Sierra Leone 🇸🇱