Economic Inclusion Grants Empower Falaba: SLE 3.7 Million Worth of Businesses Created and Recalibrated...

*Part three*

*Musaia, Denbelia Musaia Chiefdom, Falaba District*

The Economic Inclusion (EI) Grants under the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Empowerment (PSSNYE) Project are creating and recalibrating SLE 3.7 million worth of business opportunities in Falaba District. The symbolic grant payment ceremony, held in Musaia, marked a significant milestone in empowering vulnerable households and strengthening local economies.

The day began with hymns of thanksgiving in Yalunka, sung by beneficiaries who gathered long before the official proceedings. Their voices carried gratitude to God, the Government of Sierra Leone, and the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA). The atmosphere was one of joy and anticipation, setting the tone for a ceremony steeped in tradition and community spirit.

The event drew a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including the District Coordinator, Mr. Alhaji Sheku Koroma; NaCSA Board Chairman, Mr. Mohamed Alieu; Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Susan Robert; traditional leaders, religious figures, and hundreds of beneficiaries. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to ensuring the success of the PSSNYE initiative.

District Coordinator, Mr. Alhaji Sheku Koroma opened the ceremony by reminding attendees that the grants were not mere handouts but investments in savings and income-generating activities. He emphasized that beneficiaries had been trained to strengthen the local economy and pledged the Council’s continued support to NaCSA. *“These grants are not just cash transfers,” Mr. Koroma said. “They are seeds of opportunity. Beneficiaries have been trained to save, to invest, and to grow their businesses. We are confident that this support will strengthen Falaba’s economy, and the Council will continue to stand by NaCSA in this journey.”*

NaCSA Board Chairman, Mr. Mohamed Alieu echoed this sentiment, stressing that the grants were designed to uplift households and empower communities. He noted that the programme was laying a foundation for sustainable livelihoods and urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely. *“This programme is about building futures,” Mr. Alieu remarked. “It is not a one-off benefit to consume, but a foundation for families to stand on. We urge every beneficiary to use these resources responsibly, because the success of this initiative depends on how well it is embraced by the community.”*

Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Susan Robert delivered the keynote remarks, representing NaCSA, the World Bank, and the Presidency. She praised the resilience of the people of Falaba and underscored the programme’s focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups. *“This initiative is transforming lives, but we must do more,” Dr. Robert declared. “I am appealing for additional financial support so that we can reach more beneficiaries across Sierra Leone. On behalf of the Commissioner, I extend heartfelt thanks to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his leadership and commitment to social protection. It is through his vision that programmes like PSSNYE continue to empower our people.”*

The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic disbursement of grants through Afri-money, led by Dr. Susan Robert and other dignitaries. Selected beneficiaries received their payments, marking the formal commencement of disbursements across the chiefdom.

The day was more than a financial transaction — it was a reaffirmation of community resilience, tradition, and the shared vision of building sustainable livelihoods in Falaba. With SLE 3.7 million worth of business opportunities recalibrated, the Economic Inclusion Grants stand as a beacon of hope for households striving toward empowerment and self-reliance.

*For further information on this and other matters, please contact:*

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

*📞 +23278155556 / +23277022709 / +23230518539*