CRS Sierra Leone

𝗖𝗥𝗦 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗲

Michael Moyo, the Country Manager for CRS in Sierra Leone, paid a courtesy visit to the bishop of the Makeni Diocese, reaffirming CRS’ commitment to working alongside the Church to serve vulnerable communities with dignity and compassion.

The meeting provided a space to reflect on shared priorities and the important role of faith-based partnerships in delivering impactful and sustainable programs. Through this engagement, CRS continues to strengthen collaboration with the Diocese, recognizing the Church as a key partner in promoting locally led development and social transformation.

The Country Manager expressed gratitude for the Diocese’s leadership and longstanding service to communities, while reiterating CRS’ commitment to deepening partnerships rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a common mission to uplift those most in need.

CRS Introduces National Coordination Platform to Government

CRS Sierra Leone introduced its Coordination and Visualization Platform Project to the Honorable Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, during a meeting held at State House. The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and CRS.

At the meeting, CRS presented the platform as a digital tool designed to improve planning, coordination, and monitoring of development activities across the country. The system brings information into a single dashboard, showing ongoing projects, areas where support is still needed, and the organizations working in different locations. With a digital visualization platform, partners and stakeholders can plan, collaborate, and deliver services more effectively, reduce duplication, and make informed resource allocation and program implementation decisions.

Following the presentation, the CRS Country Manager requested government support to roll out staff training to relevant ministries, in conjunction with the Department of Science and Technology, to build staff capacity to utilize the platform effectively, in collaboration with stakeholders.

The Chief Minister welcomed the initiative and encouraged CRS’ linkage with key institutions that should be involved from the outset, such as the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, led by Honorable Minister Madam Haja Salima Monorma Bah, as well as the Office of the Permanent Secretary. The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to align the platform with existing government systems to ensure relevance and sustainability, to effectively deliver services to vulnerable communities and underrepresented groups.

𝐂𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Sierra Leone Country Manager Michael Moyo, Water Fund Technical Advisor Arthur Chinsman-Williams, and Local Leadership and Partnership Strengthening Coordinator Hassan John Sapo-Sapateh paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Isata Max-Kyne, reaffirming CRS’ commitment to partnering with the Government of Sierra Leone.

The engagement underscored CRS’ continued support to build local capacity and promote sustainable, climate-resilient solutions that protect water infrastructure and vital natural resources. As part of this commitment, CRS introduced a newly developed coordination and visualization platform designed to enhance coordination, planning, and monitoring of climate-resilient urban development. The platform integrates WASH and broader development interventions nationwide, with an initial focus on informal settlements in Freetown.

Honorable Minister Max-Kyne commended CRS for its ongoing contributions to strengthening water systems across the Western Peninsula Area, particularly in safeguarding critical water catchment zones. She noted that the partnership has evolved beyond capacity building to include the installation of protective barriers that secure key water sources. The Minister emphasized that the interventions are helping to protect vital catchment areas, reduce contamination risks, and improve communities’ access to safe, reliable water




The Nature Conservancy
State House Sierra Leone

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

As part of our International Women’s Day Spotlight, we celebrate Fatima Richards Kamara, a remarkable example of dedication, perseverance, and professional growth.

Fatima’s journey with us began as an intern, and through consistent hard work and commitment, she steadily rose through the ranks, from Project Officer to Project Manager.

Today, she leads the implementation of the Advancing Local Leadership the Right Way (ALLRight) Fund, a project focused on strengthening the institutional capacity of our local partners. Her leadership continues to inspire those around her and reflects the true spirit of growth and empowerment

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the courage, leadership, and achievements of women and girls and reaffirm our commitment to advancing equality, dignity, and opportunity in every community we serve

𝐂𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

CRS continues to partner with communities to restore and protect vital water sources through conservation, tree planting, and catchment protection.

In Madina near Tombo, these efforts included reforesting the area and installing 1.5 km of protective barriers, actions that have helped revive the community’s water supply.

“Before this support, our water source was under serious threat. Trees were being cut, and we were worried about the future. With the tree planting and protective barriers, we now see improvement. The water is flowing again, and as a community, we understand our responsibility to protect it.”

Mohamed Bangura, Coordinator, Catchment Management Committee








Water Funds for Africa
European Union in Sierra Leone
The Nature Conservancy
World Bank Group

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

In today's edition of International Women's Day, we are spotlighting Adama Kamara, our procurement officer.

She joined CRS as an IT Officer, where she played a central role in strengthening systems support and ensuring smooth digital operations. Through consistent performance and technical reliability, she rose to the position of Senior IT Officer, earning trust and recognition for her leadership within the department.

Today, Adama serves as Procurement Officer, bringing the same discipline and analytical strength to supply chain and vendor management processes. Her transition across functions demonstrates versatility and a deep understanding of organizational systems.

Her career path highlights the value of investing in women’s professional development and leadership across technical and operational roles.

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate her commitment and the example she sets for women advancing across diverse fields.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

As we approach International Women’s Day, we recognize Negiatu Mansaray’s contribution and celebrate the value of investing in women’s leadership within our institutions.

Negiatu’s journey at CRS reflects growth built on dedication and opportunity. She joined the organization through the Female Internship Program as a Finance Intern, bringing determination and a willingness to learn.

With discipline and consistent performance, she progressed to the role of Grant Accountant, where she strengthened her expertise in grant management, compliance, and financial reporting, contributing to the organization’s financial integrity and operational stability.

Her professional advancement speaks not only to personal commitment but also to the importance of creating pathways for women to lead in technical and decision-making roles.

𝐂𝐑𝐒 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐆𝐎 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤

It was a memorable day for CRS Sierra Leone as we joined other Non-Governmental organizations to kick start this year’s annual NGO week celebrations with a health walk, which was organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) and the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO).

NGOs across the country walked from Lumley to Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, Freetown where statements were delivered by representatives of the sector and the government, including Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Information Honorable Chernor Bah, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay, and Development Secretary Ambross James, among others.

CRS used the platform to showcase its impact by setting up a booth with materials highlighting our project interventions and impact.

𝐂𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐆𝐎 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

On Friday, CRS participated in the NGO Open Information Session Meeting organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

Led by Minister Kenyeh Barlay and chaired by Deputy Development Secretary Komba Momoh, with the Director of NGO Affairs, Eric Massally, the session brought together development partners, Members of Parliament from the Committee on NGOs, and representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water and Sanitation, and the Nutrition Secretariat.

NGOs, including CRS, CAFOD, and CODOHSAPA, presented last year’s key interventions, budget priorities, and plans for the coming year.

The meeting also featured testimonies from project participants showcasing the real impact of development work.

CRS was represented by Ms. Jane Kamara, a visually impaired young leader and participant in the Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding Project. Jane shared how the project strengthened her confidence, leadership skills, and participation in civic spaces that often exclude young people with disabilities.

Her story reinforced the value of inclusive programming and youth empowerment. CRS remains committed to partnering with the Government and development actors to promote inclusive development and meaningful participation for all.

fans

European Union in Sierra Leone
Catholic Charities USA
United Nations in Sierra Leone
U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone
The Nature Conservancy
UN Youth Affairs

As part of our growing commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience, CRS has installed a solar energy system at our office.

This investment reflects our priority to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy reliability, and demonstrate leadership in adopting climate‑smart solutions across our operations

European Union in Sierra Leone
The Nature Conservancy
Catholic Charities USA
United Nations in Sierra Leone
United Nations Peacebuilding
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr
U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone