The compound of DIRECT AID at Kossoh Village in the Western Area Rural District , which is notably one of the leading International Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) since its establishment in Sierra Leone spanning the eighties (80s), has immensely contributed to the development of the country in diverse ways was occupied by dignitaries from all walks of life on Friday, November 24th , 2023, who were invited to grace the thrilling graduation ceremony of about fifty (50) girls who successfully completed a free intensive tailoring training programme offered to them by the NGO.
Some of them include, Senior stake holders in the community and the country, teachers, parents and pupils, pressmen and workers from various ministries especially those that have bearing on the operations of DIRECT AID such as the Ministry of Development and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, the Acting Director of SLANGO and many others.
In his opening remarks after introducing all invited guests, the chairman of the ceremony Mr. Abu Bakarr Jabbie, who doubles as Secretary General of DIRECT AID extended his profound gratitude to all those who endeavoured to grace the graduation ceremony, adding that DIRECT AID is aiding Sierra Leoneans in diverse ways especially the needy which are part of their objectives.
He also added that helping the girl child is like helping the family, the community, the nation, and the world at large. In the bid to assure the nation about their continuity of aiding people of this country in many other ways, the chairman confirmed that they will continue to prop government in its developmental strive. And he admonished the beneficiaries to make good use of the golden opportunity to become self-reliance and serve as bread winners in their homes, communities and the country in general.
He buttressed the proverbial words which stated that “if you educate a girl child, you have educated the nation”.
Mr. Bakheet Yousif DIRECT AID Center Director who many people referred to as kind hearted man that has passion for development as well as assisting the needy at any time when necessary, succinctly elucidated on the history of the NGO disclosing that it started operations in the country in the eighties and has worked in various places including the capital city Freetown, Makeni, Port Loko, Magburaka, Kenema and others places where they have assisted in building mosques, educational centers especially Quaranic learning, Health, providing bore holes and pipe born water supply for people in various communities in the country as well many other development initiatives.
He also extended his unflinching thanks and appreciations to all and sundry for their contributions to make the ceremony a success.
The Country Director, Mr. Haithan F. H Shouman also maintained that DIRECT AID has been in Sierra Leone for over thirty years (30 years) and has contributed towards the development of the country in diverse ways more so in Human Capital building in education, health, Construction, providing water supply and many other areas of assistance.
He also acknowledged the hospitality of many Sierra Leoneans and assured the nation of their continuous assistance in diverse ways.
The dynamic and hospitable national Director also admonished the beneficially to make good use of their talent for their personal benefit, their people, their community and the country at large.
Many speakers from various ministries also made very salient contributions including Mr. Mohamed Magai from the Ministry of Development and Economic Planning who also referred to the programme as very unique that is propping the SLPP 5-Game Changer initiative by boosting education in the drive to empower the girl child maintaining further that will surely impact the nation greatly.
Moreover, Mr. Edward John Yokie Acting Coordinator of SLANGO also disclosed that their organization has over four hundred (400) registered members including DIRECT AID which is doing very well in assisting the country in many ways.
On behalf of his organization and the country at large, he extended his endless thanks and appreciation to DIRECT AID, and solicits their continuous support to the country. He maintained that DIRECT AID is unique in its gesture, adding that it is not easy to have such an opportunity where one will get free training and a start- up kits in his or her field of training from any institution in this country. “If this people are serious, they will use these machines and other materials to change their lives very shortly”, he stated. He further admonished the beneficiaries to accommodate the opportunity with open hands and make good use of it for their benefit.
The representative from the ministry of education also made similar contributions, adding that together we will achieve our goal towards the initiative of education for all. He also extended thanks and appreciation to the DIRECT AID and implored them for continuity in their support to this country.
In her contributions, Madam Hawana, trainer of the graduates expressed ecstasy and appreciation to DIRECT AID for their continuous aid to the country.
She also admonished them to make good use of the opportunity, maintaining that there are many girls in the country yearning for such golden opportunity. She also stated that the training will continue for those who wish to empower themselves.
Mr. Kamara from the Ministry of Social Welfare also applauded DIRECT AID for their relentless effort to boost the country in diverse ways and implore them to continue.
One of the beneficiaries, Isatu Kamara, on behalf of her colleagues, extended thanks and appreciation to DIRECT AID for their timely assistance to them.
In her vote of thanks, Kadiatu Sesay expressed thanks and appreciation to DIRECT AID, their trainer and all those who contributed in diverse ways towards their achievement.
To crown it, certificates of merit were issued to all the graduates.