Makeni, Sierra Leone – A dynamic disability inclusion training launched in Makeni by Mano River Youth Netword Sierra Leone, that brings together youth activists from across the region to explore the challenges and barriers faced by persons with disabilities in their communities. The training, which aims to deepen youth involvement in inclusive development, focuses on identifying impairments, activity limitations, and the daily social and physical obstacles that restrict the full participation of persons with disabilities in society.
The first day of the workshop introduced participants to the realities of disability within their communities, emphasizing how societal attitudes and infrastructure can create limitations for those with impairments. Many youth activists acknowledged that, prior to this training, they had minimal awareness of how persons with disabilities face barriers that limit their involvement in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and civic engagement. Through case studies, interactive sessions, and community-based discussions, activists engaged in identifying these barriers, gaining insights into the urgent need for accessibility in public spaces, transportation, communication, and community services.
The overarching goal of this training is to mainstream disability into youth activism, guiding young leaders and their organizations to view disability not as a peripheral issue but as a central component of development. Facilitators stressed that disability inclusion is essential to achieving sustainable development and that youth advocacy efforts should reflect this by promoting environments that support accessibility and equal participation. As one facilitator shared, “By understanding disability as a development issue, we empower youth activists to advocate for structural and attitudinal changes within their communities.”
Participants left the first day with a renewed sense of purpose, recognizing the pivotal role they can play in breaking down barriers for persons with disabilities. The training highlighted how grassroots efforts, when combined with inclusive policies and advocacy, can dismantle stigma and foster a society that is supportive of diverse abilities.
By the end of the program, youth activists are expected to integrate disability advocacy into their initiatives, championing a model of community engagement that embraces everyone. The workshop also provided tools and resources to help participants assess and address barriers in their projects, enabling them to promote and practice inclusive principles in their work.
This initiative marks a step forward in transforming community attitudes and creating sustainable solutions for inclusion, setting a foundation for a more equitable Sierra Leone where disability inclusion is seen as essential to development.
