The Ministry of Social Welfare distributed 250 bags of rice to fifteen churches on January 7, 2025, as part of efforts to foster religious tolerance and unity in Sierra Leone. The rice, donated by the Chinese government, was handed over during a ceremony at the ministry’s conference room in Freetown.

During the event, the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for its continuous support. She emphasized the importance of religious harmony, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting coexistence among diverse faiths.

“This gesture is a testament to our dedication to fostering unity among religious groups while addressing the needs of vulnerable communities,” the minister remarked.

The donation was facilitated through the Inter-Religious Council, with each of the fifteen selected churches receiving ten bags of rice. The minister encouraged church leaders to prioritize the most vulnerable members of their congregations in distributing the rice.

Additionally, the minister announced plans to develop a comprehensive policy on religious practices, aimed at strengthening coexistence and providing guidelines for religious institutions. She invited religious leaders to contribute to the policy’s formulation.

Bishop Issa Bangura from the Church of God of Prophecy and Reverend Gilbert Eric Harding of the West Africa Methodist Church Ebenezer expressed deep appreciation for the donation. Reverend Harding noted it was the first significant gesture of this kind toward the Christian community in recent times, thanking all involved for their support.

The event concluded with the distribution of the rice and group photographs, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering unity and addressing community needs.