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On Europe Day, Caritas Freetown Lauds EU Collaboration in Rebuilding Sierra Leone

Fr. Peter Konteh, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown . Credit: Fr. Peter Konteh

Caritas Freetown in Sierra Leone has lauded the collaboration between the European Union (EU) and the development arm of the Catholic Church in the West African nation in rebuilding the country after years of civil war.

In his message on Europe Day celebrated on Tuesday, May 9, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown acknowledged the contribution of Caritas Freetown partners in Europe in rebuilding Sierra Leone’s education and health structures. 

“On this Europe Day, we gather to express our heartfelt appreciation for the support and assistance we have received from Europe, particularly the European Union, in our efforts to improve the conditions in our beloved country, Sierra Leone,” Fr. Peter Konteh said in the message he shared with ACI Africa.

Fr. Konteh added, “The support we have received from Europe has been transformative, spanning a wide range of sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, governance, and poverty alleviation.”

Caritas Freetown has attracted funding from various development partners globally and has been feted several times for impacting vulnerable lives in Sierra Leone. 

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The Church entity works to rebuild the lives of Sierra Leoneans who were affected by the country’s 11-year civil war that ended in 2002 and the Ebola crisis that left thousands of people with lifelong health complications. 

Beneficiaries of Caritas Freetown development projects include orphans and widows, amputees from the civil war, Ebola survivors, survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), among other groups.

In his May 9 message, Fr. Konteh who has been listed as one of the 100 most influential Sierra Leoneans for his humanitarian work said that projects funded by the EU have contributed to the enhancement of educational facilities, the provision of essential healthcare services, the promotion of good governance, and the growth of local communities.

“We deeply appreciate the collaborative efforts between European institutions, organizations, and our local counterparts. The exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources has strengthened our capacity to tackle pressing issues and create sustainable solutions,” he said, underscoring the importance of partnerships forged by Caritas Freetown with European entities.

The member of the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Freetown noted that the support from the EU had helped the Caritas office to address Sierra Leone’s socio-economic challenges, key among them poverty.

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“Together, we can build upon the achievements thus far and work towards a future where every Sierra Leonean can enjoy a better quality of life,” Fr. Konteh said.

The award winning Catholic Priest added, “On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to working hand in hand, forging even stronger bonds, and creating a brighter future for Sierra Leone. Together, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable society. Happy Europe Day!”

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.