Celebrating NGO Week 2026 in Freetown

On Saturday, 21st February 2026, the vibrant city of Freetown came alive as non-governmental organizations from across the country gathered to celebrate NGO Week in a powerful display of unity, wellness, and national pride.

A Walk for Health and Unity

The celebration, spearheaded by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED) in collaboration with Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), was marked by an energizing health walk that brought together students, community members, civil society actors, and development partners. Participants proudly represented their schools, communities, and the organizations they work with or support.

A Walk for Health and Unity

The march commenced at SOS Village in Lumley and made its way through the city to its final destination at Family Kingdom in Aberdeen. Spanning approximately two to three miles, the walk symbolized a renewed national commitment to healthy living and collective well-being.

With high spirits and visible enthusiasm, participants filled the streets in organized formations, demonstrating that health consciousness is increasingly taking root in the hearts and minds of Sierra Leoneans. The energy and determination displayed throughout the walk reflected a shared understanding that physical wellness is fundamental to national development.

Among the participants were several government officials, including the Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, who delivered the keynote address.

Inspiring Leadership and Commitment

In his remarks, Dr. Sengeh expressed gratitude to all participants for contributing to what he described as a historic moment—one that signals growing awareness around health, collaboration, and national progress. He emphasized the importance of partnership between government and civil society in building a stronger Sierra Leone.

Other ministers and deputy ministers echoed similar sentiments, reaffirming their ministries’ commitment to implementing policies and programs that promote sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.

Showcasing Impact Through Art and Advocacy

The event also featured uplifting and thought-provoking performances. Hope International inspired the audience with a powerful congregational song centered on shining the light within each of us. Representatives from Welthungerhilfe presented engaging skits highlighting the harsh realities of hunger and poverty and the urgent need for collective action.

The Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation concluded the stage presentations with impactful performances by widows who are beneficiaries of the Foundation’s programs. Through heartfelt testimonies and dramatizations, they shared how initiatives such as the Water Tank Project and the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) have transformed their lives—fostering economic empowerment, self-sufficiency, and hope within their families and communities.

A Nation Rising Together

The remarkable turnout at this year’s NGO Week celebration demonstrated a clear message: Sierra Leoneans are committed not only to improving their personal health but also to safeguarding the dignity and prosperity of the nation as a whole.

Having endured an eleven-year civil war, the Ebola outbreak, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sierra Leone continues to demonstrate resilience and determination. The spirit of NGO Week reflects a collective resolve to build a healthier, more prosperous future—guided by strategic planning, effective policies, and a shared belief that we rise by lifting others.

The responsibility now lies with all of us. By working together with purpose and integrity, we can ensure that future generations inherit a nation not only rich in potential but strong in unity, health, and opportunity.

Together, we move forward.