National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has donated start-up tool kits and grants to 58 female war-victims drawn from the Western Area who has graduated from successful skills training programme in catering, hairdressing, computing, tailoring, gara tie-dying, weaving and soap-making funded by United Nations Trust Fund to end violence against women.
The graduation ceremony took place at the British Council Hall.
Speaking at the ceremony, Saidu Conton-Sesay, Commissioner NaCSA, said the graduation ceremony has brought a new beginning for the graduates, stating that some of them bear children following rape, while others were not able to give birth to children due to injuries inflicted on them, others branded as wives of rebels because of the brutal war.
He said it is indeed a new beginning, as all of them, will now forget about the terrible effect on their psychological as well as the physical health conditions because they will be given $500 grant each in their bank accounts in addition to their kits.
Commissioner Conton-Sesay disclosed that similar exercises will be replicated to 296 beneficiaries in the three remaining regions (South, East and North).
He stated that the goal of the post conflict reparation is to bring hope to women who have suffered and at the end, will restore dignity and contribute to fostering national reconciliation.
Conton-Sesay thanked all their partners for their financial support and pleaded with them to continue with the funding, stating that there are other female war-victims waiting for similar support.
Chairman of the occasion, Doctor Nannah Pratt said the ceremony represents an achievement of advocacy that access and opportunity to post-conflict, reflects women, stating that it is also an adherence to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.
She said that this is a sign of peace and stability for Sierra Leone.
She also encouraged graduates to put aside all their negative past and move forward to develop themselves and the nation as a whole, with what they would be receiving.
Country representative, United Nations Women Melrose Kargbo, applauded the graduates, stating that when women are lifted, then the country will be lifted.
She later distributed the certificates and pledged their support to the reparation programme.
By Emmanuella Kallon
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