By Alhaji Haruna Sani
In a bid to strengthen disaster management efforts, Save the Children International (SCI) in Sierra Leone, has formalised a five-year partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). The collaboration aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response, particularly focusing on the welfare of children.
As part of the agreement, Save the Children International donated various disaster management items to NDMA, reinforcing their commitment to the well-being of Sierra Leonean children.
The donated items include 10 cartons of laundry soap, 100 pairs of assorted slippers, 200 pairs of children’s socks, used clothing for both adults and children, toothpaste and brushes, sanitary pads, laundry soap, 20 dozen pants, plastic buckets, and various school-related materials.
Deanne Evans, Director of Programs and Operations at Save the Children, provided insight into the close collaboration between his organization and NDMA since 2020. Emphasizing Save the Children’s primary goal of protecting and caring for children during emergencies and disasters, Evans highlighted the crucial role of the partnership in disaster prevention and response activities.
Patrick Analo, Country Director of Save the Children, expressed optimism about the partnership, citing its potential to enhance collective efforts in responding to and preventing disasters.
He outlined the shared vision of both organizations,to foster and protect the growth of communities, with a special focus on children.
Analo also shed light on SCI’s involvement in various environmental protection activities in Sierra Leone, including a key project addressing climate change impacts.
Analo pledged SCI’s commitment to focus on preparedness and response, identifying early warning systems, and offering advice to better prepare communities for disasters.
The MOU clearly outlines the collaborative areas between NDMA and SCI, including advocacy for environmental issues.
Lieutenant General (Rtd) Brima Sesay, NDMA Director General, expressed the agency’s longstanding anticipation for the signing of the MOU. He provided context on NDMA’s role in implementing government policies on disaster risk reduction, prevention, and climate risk management across regions, districts, and chiefdoms in Sierra Leone.
Sesay acknowledged Save the Children significant interventions, including timely donations, equipment provision, disaster response, and training.
He lauded the organization for its continuous support during times of disasters and expressed gratitude for the timely donations.
Abdul Akim Sheriff, Operations Manager and Emergency Response Lead at Save the Children, reiterated the purpose of the MOU, emphasizing its role in solidifying the existing relationship between SCI and NDMA.
The MOU signifies the organization’s commitment to prompt disaster management and protection, with the donations aiming at enhancing NDMA’s capacity for timely responses to disasters.
The collaboration between Save the Children International and the National Disaster Management Agency is poised to make a substantial impact on Sierra Leone’s disaster management efforts, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children.
