By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Kenyeh Ballay, has applauded both the International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for what she described as their tremendous contributions to national development across Sierra Leone.
According to the Minister,the INGOs and INGOs have over the years helped to take development to every part of the country, noting that they are working in line with the sustainable development plan of the country.
She was speaking at the ministry’s conference room where she briefed the press about the celebration of the International NGO Day and also launched the Sierra Leone NGO gazette.
She disclosed that that was the first time Sierra Leone was joining the rest of the world to celebrate the day.
She said the day was used to recognise the good work of NGOs in the country and also help sensitized the public about their work.
She disclosed that there are over 600 NGOs operating in Sierra Leone and assured full government support for all them operating in the country.
“NGOs are working on various developmental programmes, including health, education, agriculture, human capacity empowerment, and others,” she said.
Speaking on the theme “Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development” the National Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (SLANGO), Alice Neneh James disclosed that over 400 NGOs and 100 INGOs are registered with SLANGO in the country.
Helen Keller Intl International’s Country Director, Sugandh Juneja, said they the day was worth celebrating because NGOs are serving humanity.
She indicated that, years ago, Sierra Leone was among other countries that were recording a very high rate of maternal mortality, but that the effort of the government has helped to reduce that high figure to a very courageous number.
She also highlighted that as INGOs, they are working with the government to ensure that they achieve their five game changers.
