By Minkailu Kebbie – Intern FBC
On Friday 21st October 2022, Agape Outreach Ministries officially launched the Love Aid Movement – a nonprofit community-based organization with the mandate of reaching out to those in need regardless of religion, age, sex or ethnicity. This historic launch took place at Dee’s Bazar, Black hall road in Freetown.
The event was graced by community stakeholders, government representatives, civil society organizations, media houses, police officers and pupils from different schools within the community.
In his opening statement, the Chairperson of and Board member of Love Aid, Rev. Patrick Williams, who is also the General Overseer of Agape Outreach Ministries, acknowledged that the organization is autonomous and is set to build families, save lives and contribute to nation building.
He went on to say that the organization is built on the love of God and our fellow humans irrespective of religion, region, tribe or sex – and that the organization has been changing lives and will continue on that trend.
He highlighted many good things that they have undertaken in the past like giving free malaria treatment to both teachers and pupils, free feeding programs, Community cleaning projects, donations of furniture and other learning materials to three community based schools, and free eye cleaning projects to teachers and pupils.
Mr. Clifford Metzger, a member of Board of the organization in his speech said that going forward, the organization is bend on giving access to Health Care Services and access to Basic Quality Education. He affirmed that their approaches will be a Community based and Gender Mainstreaming.
He further reiterated that indeed government is trying to provide basic amenities but again these nonprofit organizations should be there to help government and fill in those loopholes which will be an addendum to nation building.
He underscored that even though Love Aid is a Christian organization, they will operate completely independent, and their goal is to reach out to those deprived and marginalized Christian and non Christian communities to provide them with the basic necessities of life.
Mr. Michael Abdulai, one of the guest speakers for the occasion emphasized that development comes with ownership and perseverance. “ We are very happy to have Love Aid to partner with us. This will help to create initiatives and bridge the barrier between government and this great community”, he said.
He appealed with Love Aid and other related partners to tackle Education as it is a human capital development. He added that the organization should regularize their status and align with National Midterm plan.
Mr. Francis Reffell, Country Director, CODOHSAPA in his keynote address thanked and appreciate Love Aid for this great idea. He mentioned that the level of poverty and deprivation is very obvious and this is as a result of the 11 year Civil War and many other factors. He urged the organization to focus more on those deprived poverty streaking communities
He further said that the organization will face many challenges in the future and that they should be steadfast and remain convinced and passionate in all their dealings.
He wished the management a bright future and encouraged them to focus on their niche, which should be an epicenter of everything and be willing to sacrifice even when things get tough.
The Country Director of Breakthrough Action Mr. James Fofana, admonished the organization to be resilient as development landscape in this country is a mixed one. “If you travel out of this country you will realize that Freetown is a big village and this village has received a lot of money but has misused everything. That is why we need these faith based organizations to help regularize certain societal ordeals” he said.
He reaffirmed that development comes from the bottom to the top and that the organization needs to work with development partners like USAid, UKaid, World Bank and UNFPA for technical know-how and financial support.
He urged the management to think big, act small and start now as these are the fundamental basics of development. He advised them to look for philanthropists to help the poor and the vulnerable. Networking is very important at both local and international level. He promised to be indebted to the organization and make known the necessary linkages for opportunities to the organization.
The Head Teacher of United Primary School Kissy, Mr. Jessy Davies, asserted that his school has benefited from the organization a lot. “ We want this organization to do more since it is now a full fledged Non_ governmental organization”, he said
Mrs. Isata Kamara, the Head Teacher of Kankalay Islamic Primary school said they expect more from Love Aid as they are still facing so many problems both in their schools and the community. She continued that Love Aid has been trying in their own little ways to help remedy their problems, but they still have so many problems in the schools, ranging from lack of sitting accommodations, inadequate learning materials, lack of toilet facilities and no pipe borne water.
The deprived communities and schools that have benefited immensely from Love Aid organization expressed their thanks and appreciation and how they will be forever grateful to the organization.
