Plan International Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Social Welfare have renewed their commitment to protecting vulnerable people across the country through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry’s New England Ville office in Freetown.

The agreement formalizes how both institutions will work together—strengthening coordination, sharing resources, and aligning their social welfare interventions to better support children, youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other at-risk groups.

Speaking during the ceremony, Peter Koroma, Plan International’s Head of Programme Development and Quality, highlighted the importance of deeper collaboration with government institutions, especially those directly responsible for social protection. He emphasized that the partnership is built on shared goals rather than legal obligation.

Koroma added that the MoU provides a clearer framework for planning, accountability, and joint action, ensuring both sides understand their responsibilities and can respond more effectively to the needs of vulnerable communities.

Plan International’s Country Director, Muniratu Issifu, reflected on the organization’s 50-year presence in Sierra Leone and expressed their commitment to continue supporting the nation for decades to come. She said the new partnership will help strengthen capacity building, psychosocial support, youth-focused programming, and the country’s developing national safeguarding policy.

She also acknowledged rising concerns around drug abuse, particularly the spread of kush, and assured the Ministry that Plan International is ready to work together on interventions that can protect young people.

Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, welcomed the renewed partnership, saying that strong collaborations are essential as the Ministry faces growing demands and limited resources. She noted that her department continues to address issues affecting children, women, the aged, people with disabilities, and survivors of violence—areas where additional support is always needed.

The Minister also spoke about the recently enacted Social Work Regulatory Act, which aims to professionalize the social work sector by introducing licensing and a regulatory council. She said the MoU aligns with the Ministry’s push to strengthen systems and improve service delivery standards.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary reiterated that the partnership is grounded in shared values, mutual benefit, and a commitment to community-focused work. He said the agreement will help both institutions coordinate better and stay aligned as they confront emerging social challenges.

The ceremony ended with the formal signing of the MoU and a joint pledge to make it a practical tool—for improved services, stronger coordination, and long-term support to vulnerable groups across Sierra Leone.

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