By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

In order to promote equality and human rights in the country, the Adama Team Foundation, based in the United States of America (ATF-US) in partnership with the Sierra Leone Deaf Association (SLAD), has celebrated their week on the International Day of the Deaf in a ground style with deaf people coming from all parts of Sierra Leone.

They gathered at the Special Court, Peace Museum Hall, New England Ville in Freetown on Saturday 26^th October, 2024, marked with the theme:“Sing For Sing Language Rights.”

Speaking during the session, Deputy Chief Director of Social Protections, Francis Kabia, said disability is not inability, adding that the celebration was to create awareness and control of their well-being, unity and togetherness among persons with disabilities in the country.

“Through various interventions, the Adama Team Foundation is making a significant difference on the lives of people helping to solve issues of speech and hearing impairments,” says Mr Kabia.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the foundation, Adama Bangura said the foundation is a beacon of hope for Sierra Leone especially the special needs communities.

Her passion and commitment are evident in the incredible work the foundation is doing to improve the lives of those who often face significant challenges in terms of their hearing and speech abilities.

“Adama Team Foundation was established in 2023. Our mission is to integrate the deaf or hard-of hearing people be included in the general  to form an inclusive environment.”

One way we have achieved this mission is by having sign language interpreters for communications purposes.” We were motivated to come together and start this foundation due to the ongoing issues challenging the deaf communities,” says the CEO.

She talked of issues such as lack of mainstream education, employment, high poverty rate, and the lack of access to healthcare services.

The CEO of Adama Team Foundation, was being lauded for her unwavering dedication in supporting” individuals of special needs” in Sierra Leone.

She said the Foundation is making a significant difference on the lives of people affected by speech and hearing impairments.

As the foundation continues its important work, it is clear that Adama Bangura has become a true inspiration to Sierra Leoneans, and her efforts are bringing hope to countless individuals and families.

Head of Media and Communications, ATF-US, Ibrahim Karim Bangura aka Tanko said the Foundation’s goals are to promote healthcare, vocational studies, education, employment, and access to equal communications to the disabled and others.

In the past, Adama Team Foundation had provided funding to some deaf people who are skillful traders, helping them to saving up countless money for their survival. It has been of help to many people. The foundation says it had been partnering with neighboring hospitals to provide healthcare services for the deaf and by  providing adult education training, taking deaf beggars off the streets.

They had also been encouraging and providing fundings for trading to these people.

“Our team will continue to provide the aforementioned services to our deaf and hard-of-

hearing people.”

The foundation has been funded by the Adama Team members.

The team has some exciting opportunities for partnerships on the way  and we hope to share those with you all shortly, according to a statement by a speaker.

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming the challenges. Optimism is thefaith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” “We are hopeful for a better Sierra Leone and for the deaf community.”

Therefore, the statement continues, we are calling on every single Sierra Leoneans to join us as we embark on the long journey to continue improving the Ivies of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and bring additional resources to them.

In his keynote statement, the Chairman, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) said government is ready to support and enforce laws that will aid persons with disabilities.

He noted that job opportunities and rights to national budget support for disability issues is at cabinet stage.”

‘’We thank the national associations for their strong leadership, also for the education scholarships,” said NCPD chairman.