In a remarkable demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Orange Sierra Leone on Friday, February 28, 2025, donated 100 durable tarpaulins to the National Commission for Persons with Disability. The official handing-over ceremony took place at the Ministry of Social Welfare’s Conference Room in New England, Freetown. The event was attended by the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, representatives from the National Commission for Persons with Disability, officials from Orange Sierra Leone and various disabled groups.

During the ceremony, Piloya Grace Nollah, Director of Hands-on Development and Social Transformation at the National Commission for Persons with Disability, highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly during the last rainy season. She recalled how her office received numerous complaints about leaking roofs and flooding in the shelters of disabled persons across the country, prompting her to reach out to Orange Sierra Leone for assistance. She commended the company for its swift response and commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.

Expressing her appreciation, Zainab Kamara of the Empowerment for Disabilities and Social Integration Group praised Orange Sierra Leone for its dedication to alleviating the struggles of marginalized communities. She emphasized that businesses like Orange Sierra Leone have a pivotal role to play in social development and stressed that the company’s support extends beyond providing physical shelter; it also demonstrates empathy and compassion for the vulnerable.

Speaking at the event, Dannetta Younge, General Secretary of Orange Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She noted that the donation aligns with Orange Sierra Leone’s core values, particularly its emphasis on care, responsibility and boldness. Dannetta Younge reiterated that the company’s CSR initiatives are deeply embedded in its mission to support and uplift the communities it serves, making it more than just an investor in Sierra Leone.

She also acknowledged the dedication of Minister Melrose Karminty in advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Dannetta Younge assured that Orange Sierra Leone remains committed to supporting impactful initiatives that enhance the lives of disadvantaged groups.

Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, expressed her profound gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for its ongoing support and commitment to national development. She noted that since her appointment, this was her first engagement with a mobile network operator (MNO) that has actively pursued CSR initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable communities. She commended the company for its sense of responsibility and its tangible demonstration of humanitarian values.

The donation of these tarpaulins is expected to provide much-needed relief to persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone, ensuring better shelter conditions and improved living standards. Orange Sierra Leone’s contribution stands as a testament to the power of corporate partnerships in driving social change and fostering inclusive development.