EMPOWERING POSSIBILITIES: CHANGING LIVES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN SIERRA LEONE

Over the past several weeks, we have journeyed through the heart of World Hope International’s work in Sierra Leone, meeting the people behind the mission and witnessing the extraordinary impact of their commitment to dignity, opportunity, and sustainable change.

As we close this special feature series, we spotlight one of WHI’s most transformative programs: Enable the Children (ETC);a pioneering initiative that is redefining what’s possible for children living with disabilities in Sierra Leone. Through therapy, education, advocacy, and compassion, ETC is not just changing lives; it’s reshaping mindsets and communities. We hope that you are inspired as you read!

World Hope International (WHI) has stood as a pillar of hope and transformation in Sierra Leone since its inception in 1996. The organization continues to lead impactful development initiatives across sectors such as Community Health and Nutrition, Clean Water and Energy, Protection and Gender, Climate Resilience, and Social Ventures.

Among its most powerful interventions is the Enable the Children (ETC) program established in 2007 as an independent non-profit and integrated into WHI in 2015. ETC has since emerged as a pioneering initiative focused on improving the lives of children living with disabilities in Freetown.

Each year, around 1,200 children benefit from ETC’s holistic support, which includes home-based and clinic-based Physical and Occupational Therapy, along with vital psychosocial support through a pastoral and social work team. The program is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of local and international professionals who conduct regular home visits and empower caregivers to assist their children using exercise, assistive devices, developmental play and life-skills techniques.

This family-centered model not only improves therapy outcomes but fosters sustainability- embedding care routines into the rhythm of daily life and strengthening bonds within the household.

CHALLENGING STIGMA AND CHANGING MINDSETS

Beyond therapy, ETC is breaking long-standing barriers rooted in social stigma and cultural misconceptions about disability. In many communities, mothers are often burdened with shame or blame when a child is born with a disability. ETC’s team works with families to demystify medical conditions, offering reassurance and hope.

They also engage community leaders, pastors, imams, teachers, partner organizations and traditional authorities through disability inclusion training, aiming to shift societal perceptions and foster a more supportive environment for children with disabilities.

STRENGTHENING SYSTEMS AND BUILDING CAPACITY

ETC’s work extends beyond individual care to strengthen national systems. The program offers hands-on training to physiotherapy students and government rehabilitation workers, with a specific focus on paediatric therapy. A major milestone is set for 2025, WHI along with the Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders celebrate the successful start of the first two cohorts (30 people) of physiotherapists fully trained within Sierra Leone marking a critical step toward sustainable, locally-led care services.

EDUCATION, INCLUSION AND ECONOMIC RELIEF                                      

Education remains a cornerstone for ETC’s mission, through a dedicated school sponsorship initiative, children with physical and intellectual disabilities receive support for school fees support granting access to education that might otherwise be out of reach. The program also provides one-time household support for families who have had to alter their livelihoods to care for a child with a disability, offering financial relief during times of transition.

In addition, WHI has pioneered a yearly adaptive sports event that allows children with disabilities to participate in physical activities, improving mobility, boosting confidence, and promoting social inclusion within their communities.

Another key highlight of the year is the Annual Beach Outing, a tradition that has taken place since the program began and one that continues to grow from strength to strength. In recent years, the event has welcomed over 2,000 attendees, including an average of 700 children living with disabilities.

This powerful half-day celebration is often the only opportunity some children have to leave their communities and simply enjoy a day of fun, inclusion, and joy. It’s also a moment of visibility, drawing the presence of prominent ministry representatives and key stakeholders who join in the celebration.

Watch a glimpse of the day here: https://youtu.be/xAOns_Q6YA8?si=EvCDGUbnNoIFP_n9