From Struggle to Strength: Kenema Receives SLL 4.7M...

*Part Two: Turning resilience into opportunity for 829 EI Beneficiaries’ future*

On Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, Kenema witnessed a defining moment in its journey toward economic empowerment. A total of 829 beneficiaries under the Economic Inclusion (EI) sub component received symbolic payments amounting to more than SLL 4.7 million. The ceremony drew a distinguished cross section of district stakeholders, including His Worship the Mayor, Thomas Karimu Baio; the Director General of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Agency, Dr. James Edwin; the Resident Minister, Hon. Gbessay Jusu Jaka Ngobeh; representatives from government Ministries, Departments and Agencies; and the Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) – Amb. Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina.

In his keynote address, the NaCSA Commissioner underscored that the grant is not merely financial assistance but a catalyst for transformation. *“This Four Million, Seven Hundred and Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety One (4,707,891) Leones grant is already breathing life into Kenema’s economy. It is visible in the energy of our markets, in the determination of our youth, and in the dignity restored to families. By extension, it strengthens Sierra Leone’s economic fabric,”* he declared. The Commissioner expressed heartfelt gratitude to *President Dr. Julius Maada Bio* for prioritizing social protection and to the World Bank for their partnership. *He further appealed for additional financial support, stressing that many more deserving households across Sierra Leone are waiting for similar opportunities to transform their lives.*

Dr. James Edwin, Director General of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Agency, assured stakeholders of strict accountability. *“We have monitored the implementation to this point, and we will continue to do so to the latter. Every Leones disbursed must translate into measurable impact for the beneficiaries and the community,”* he affirmed.

The Resident Minister, Hon. Gbessay Jusu Jaka Ngobeh, commended NaCSA’s leadership and acknowledged the government and donor partners. *“This initiative is proof that poverty can be elevated when resources are directed to the right people. We thank the government and our partners, and we urge them to provide more funding. This is the surest way to uplift our people,”* he stated.

The most powerful testimonies came from the beneficiaries themselves, whose stories reflect resilience turned into opportunity. Mariatu, a young mother and petty trader, has long balanced the demands of motherhood with the struggle of running a small trading business. With the grant in hand, her vision is clear: *“With this money, I will expand my small business and ensure my children stay in school. Education is my priority.”* For Mariatu, the grant is more than capital — it is a lifeline that secures her children’s future and strengthens her role as both provider and nurturer.

Mamie, a farmer with big dreams, has tilled the soil for years, often limited by poor tools and scarce resources. The grant now gives her the chance to transform her farm into a source of abundance. *“I plan to buy improved seeds and tools. This grant will help me increase my harvest and feed more families.”* Her ambition is not only to grow more crops but to contribute to food security in Kenema, ensuring that her community benefits from her success.

Isatu, a youth entrepreneur and mentor, represents the energy and creativity of Kenema’s youth. With her entrepreneurial spirit, she sees the grant as a stepping stone to empowerment for herself and others. *“I will invest in tailoring equipment. My goal is to train other young women so we can all earn a living.”* Her vision extends beyond personal gain; she wants to build a network of skilled young women who can sustain themselves and inspire others to break free from poverty.

The symbolic payment in Kenema is more than a financial transaction; it is a statement of resilience turned into opportunity. With strong leadership, donor support, and community determination, the SLL 4.7M disbursement marks a new chapter — one where families rise above hardship, youth embrace entrepreneurship, and the district itself becomes a beacon of Sierra Leone’s inclusive growth.

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

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

*📞 +23278155556 / +23277022709 / +23230518539*