By: Usman Fambuleh
Save Africa From Malaria Infection (SAFMI), in collaboration with the Women Environmental Programme Sierra Leone (WEP-SL), has donated hygiene materials to female pupils of the National School for the Deaf and Milton Margai School for the Blind in Freetown.
The donation, which took place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Wilkinson Road, Freetown, forms part of the organisations’ efforts to promote hygiene, inclusion and the well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly girls with disabilities.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, SAFMI Chief Executive Officer, Artem Volchenko, highlighted the collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to a safe and conducive learning environment. He expressed appreciation to WEP-SL for selecting the two institutions to benefit from the initiative.
He explained that SAFMI operates in Sierra Leone with the aim of protecting communities and combating malaria. He reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through sustained malaria prevention interventions.
Volchenko further explained that SAFMI uses Gambusia fish in community water tanks and artificial ponds to feed on mosquito larvae, thereby helping to reduce mosquito populations and prevent malaria transmission.
The Founder of the Women Environmental Programme Sierra Leone, Stamina P. H. Vandi, said the donation formed part of her organisation’s inclusion strategy, which seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances or abilities, benefits from its activities.
“We recognise you, and that is why we are here to donate these hygiene materials to support your well-being and personal hygiene,” she said.
She further disclosed that the donation was organised to celebrate her birthday, adding that she was delighted to mark the occasion by making a meaningful contribution to the lives of the pupils.
Receiving the donation, the Head Teacher of the National School for the Deaf, Madam Winifred Kamara-Cole, and the Principal of Milton Margai School for the Blind, Mr Turay, expressed their profound appreciation to both organisations for remembering their institutions.
They commended the initiative and assured the donors that the materials would be put to their intended use for the benefit of the female pupils.
The programme concluded with the distribution of hygiene packages by SAFMI’s Chief Executive Officer, followed by a birthday cake-cutting ceremony led by the Founder of WEP-SL.
