NaCSA Accelerates Childcare Center Construction to Empower Women and Strengthen Family Support Systems...

*Jombohun Community, Pujehun District – 25th June 2025* - The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) is making remarkable progress in the construction of childcare centers across the districts of Pujehun, Falaba, and Tonkolili. This pioneering initiative forms a vital part of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project under the Sustainable Cash for Work sub-component. It is designed to uplift vulnerable households while advancing gender equity, social inclusion, and economic empowerment.

Once completed, these childcare centers will be the first of their kind under the PSSNYE framework. They are envisioned as safe, nurturing spaces where children of public works beneficiaries can learn and grow while their parents—particularly women, single mothers, and caregivers—engage in income-generating activities. By easing the burden of unpaid care work, the centers aim to unlock new pathways for women’s participation in the workforce and enhance household resilience.

With generous support from the World Bank and technical assistance from Cause Canada, NaCSA has already commenced the training of caregivers to ensure the centers are professionally managed and child-centered. These trainings emphasize not only operational excellence but also the importance of early childhood development, child safety, and psychosocial well-being.

At the forefront of this transformative effort are *Isata M. Bangura*, Social Development Specialist, and *Lyndon Bains Johnson*, Environmental Specialist. They are joined by a dedicated team of engineers from the Commission— *Ing. Marilyn Gbow* and *Ing. Gardon*—as well as *Regional and District Coordinators, the hardworking drivers and other field staff*. Their collective leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that the centers are both socially responsive and environmentally sustainable. The initiative is further strengthened by the strategic oversight and technical guidance of *Senior Director Idris Turay,* whose role ensures alignment with national development priorities and international best practices.

Beyond addressing the immediate needs of working parents, these childcare centers represent a long-term investment in Sierra Leone’s human capital. They reflect the Government of Sierra Leone’s broader commitment to building inclusive, community-driven social protection systems that promote sustainable development.

Once operational, the centers are expected to serve as scalable models for replication in other districts, contributing meaningfully to the national agenda of poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

This pilot initiative stands as a powerful testament to the PSSNYE project’s innovative and holistic approach—one that recognizes the critical intersection of employment, care infrastructure, and social equity. As the centers near completion, they symbolize a hopeful shift toward a more supportive and empowering environment for families across Sierra Leone.

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

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

*+23278155556/+23277022709/+23230518539*