The 2025 JNJF Widows’ Fundraising Luncheon took place at the New Brookfields Hotel, bringing together widows, partners, and supporters for an afternoon of encouragement and support. The event focused on helping widows rebuild their lives and promoting hope, health, and community support.
The program opened with a message from Program Manager, John Kingsley Yambasu, who reminded guests of JNJF’s mission since 2017. He said the Foundation works to restore dignity to widows and vulnerable women through health support, mental-health awareness, and programs that address problems such as teenage pregnancy, unsafe migration, drug abuse, and lack of income opportunities. “These are not numbers,” he said. “They are mothers, daughters, and women with stories that deserve to be heard.”
Michaela Macauley, Marketing Manager at Rokel Commercial Bank, spoke about the challenges widows face. She said widowhood is not a sickness but a reality that can happen to anyone. She praised JNJF for providing a safe space and mentioned support tools like the Kombra Account and small-business loans to help widows rebuild their lives.
Dr. Edward Sandy, Executive Director of the National Investment Board, encouraged women not to let grief hold them down. “You still have children looking to you. Stand for them even when your spirit trembles,” he said. His message highlighted the need for emotional and social support for families.
The General Manager of Securiport, Mr. Abraham Mansaray, spoke about his long partnership with the Foundation. He said there is fulfilment in supporting something that changes lives and promised continued support for programs that rebuild families.
The event ended with appreciation for partners, sponsors, and supporters. Guests were also reminded of JNJF’s ongoing programs which include entrepreneurship training, health services, and mental-health support for widows.
Attendees left with a strong message of unity and a renewed commitment to support widows and create lasting change in communities across Sierra Leone.
