Empathy in Action: Evelyn Bockarie’s Leadership Journey with World Hope International

On a sunlit morning in Freetown, a knock at a humble door signals a quiet revolution. Evelyn Bockarie stands outside, greeted by shy smiles and hopeful eyes. As a Family Support Worker with World Hope International’s Enable the Children (ETC) program, Evelyn is not simply offering therapy. She is creating a path to dignity and belonging for some of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable children.

In serving others, Evelyn is showing that values that transcend borders: deep empathy, unwavering respect, and the conviction that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to thrive. Her approach is rooted in the core principles of humanitarian action; humanity, impartiality, and inclusiveness. Recent UN reports estimate that over 150 million children worldwide live with disabilities, and yet, in low and middle-income countries, as few as 1 in 10 receives any form of rehabilitation support. For families in Sierra Leone, Evelyn embodies hope in an environment where stigma and lack of resources often shape futures.

Each day, Evelyn visits families in their homes, sitting on mats or low benches to coach parents and carers in simple, practical therapies. Her leadership is visible not in grand gestures, but in her patient encouragement.

Evelyn is not alone on this journey. She is part of a growing community: a fellowship of therapists, volunteers, and families—who break barriers together. The ETC program’s data show remarkable progress: in the last year alone, 82% of children receiving regular home-based interventions have demonstrated increased self-care and social participation; families consistently report reduced stress and greater confidence as they discover strategies that work.

But Evelyn’s connection to this work is deeply personal. “I have a son who is autistic,” she shares. “At one point, staff from World Hope were visiting my home regularly to work with him. Through their occupational therapy sessions, he was taught how to manage basic life skills that he had previously struggled with.”

Evelyn recalls how eager she was to learn from the professionals who came to her home. “I wanted to understand how I could help my son beyond their visits. I was so inspired by the love, care, and consistent support they gave me during such a traumatic period of my life, I asked if I could volunteer with them.”

She volunteered for nearly four years before officially joining the WHI staff full-time. Since then, Evelyn has become a vital part of the ETC team, working directly with families across various communities. Her lived experience gives her a unique ability to connect with parents navigating similar challenges.

“Whenever I meet parents with children who have disabilities, I can genuinely empathize with them. I understand their struggles, fears, and hopes. I use my story to encourage them to show them that there is a path forward.”

Her time with World Hope has transformed her outlook on life. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that acceptance is the first step toward overcoming any challenge. Accepting my son’s condition helped me to become a better mother and support other parents as well.”

Balancing life as a parent of a child with special needs and a full-time professional isn’t easy, she admits. “But World Hope provides training for its staff, and that has equipped me with tools to manage both roles. My experiences have become a source of strength. I now help other parents avoid frustration by sharing what I’ve learned.”

At one point, Evelyn’s son was enrolled in a public school, but she had to withdraw him due to persistent bullying from classmates, mistreatment from teachers, and widespread misunderstanding of his condition.

“Unfortunately, not every teacher is trained or prepared to support a child with autism,” she says. “Now he has a personal tutor who teaches him at home, and I assist when needed. He’s 15 years old now and is very much more independent now.”

Evelyn takes great pride in working with World Hope. “This organization has created a platform where parents and children with disabilities can meet, share experiences, and draw strength from one another. We also carry out community sensitization programs to promote understanding and reduce stigma.”

Now in her seventh year with WHI, Evelyn has grown both professionally and personally. “I’ve developed empathy, advocacy skills, and the ability to persuade others about the importance of inclusion. My perception of leadership has also evolved, I’ve learned that a true leader empowers others to do more than they ever thought possible.”

Disclaimer: This story is shared by Ariana Diaries purely to spread light, not to sell anything. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by World Hope International. Consider this our small way of amplifying humanity: because hope is too good not to be shared.