Councils in the North-East Region joined non-governmental organizations in commemorating NGO Week with a vibrant health walk through Makeni, the regional headquarters of Bombali District.
The event underscored the role of NGOs in advancing development across Bombali, Tonkolili, Koinadugu and Falaba districts, serving as a platform to celebrate partnership, strengthen coordination and enhance service delivery. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Collaboration, Sustainability and Local Empowerment,” emphasised collective action and local ownership.
Stakeholders, council officials and NGO representatives participated in a symbolic health walk from Wusum Field through major streets of Makeni to the Bombali District Council, highlighting unity in development efforts across the region.
Chairing the closing session at the council premises, Chairman Dr. Mohamed Mark Barbah Sisay described NGOs as catalysts for transformation, advocates for vulnerable populations and key partners in district progress.
“Through their efforts, they empower individuals, promote human rights and support sustainable initiatives that uplift communities,” he stated, commending their outreach in remote chiefdoms and underserved rural areas.
Representatives of international and national NGOs, including GOAL Sierra Leone and Madam Sierra Leone, reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration with local authorities. They expressed appreciation for the support received from both the Bombali District Council and the Makeni City Council, particularly acknowledging the coordination efforts of the councils’ Development and Planning Officers in ensuring compliance with government regulations.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, recalled that her ministry officially launched NGO Week 2026 on February 19, declaring nationwide recognition of NGOs’ transformative contributions.
“Our joint participation with NGOs affirms the government’s commitment to shared responsibility, coordination and the effective use of resources to achieve maximum impact, including reaching the last mile in communities,” she said.
Minister Barlay further noted that NGO interventions directly contribute to the implementation of Ministry of Planning and Economic Development priorities under Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), particularly in health, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, human rights and social justice.
She highlighted the ministry’s oversight mechanisms, referencing the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate and the NGO Directorate. At the district level, she explained, multi-stakeholder committees comprising system actors and NGO leads meet regularly to monitor key initiatives, improve coordination, prevent duplication and ensure that district development plans are fully aligned with local government structures.
The North-East Region’s celebration reinforced the message that sustainable development is most effective when driven by strong partnerships between government institutions and civil society.
