The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) has officially inaugurated a new resource and counseling center in Tonkolili district, marking another significant milestone in its century-long journey of faith, service, and community empowerment.
The event, which comes after CCSL celebrated its 100 years of God’s presence, grace, and mercy, underscored the organization’s unwavering commitment to addressing the psychosocial and spiritual needs of Sierra Leonean communities.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Joseph Kaifala Lengor Esq., praised CCSL for its steadfast efforts in supporting communities during times of crisis, he extended profound appreciation to CCSL’s partners, particularly Bread for the World, for their financial and moral support in realizing what he described as a beacon of hope for the nation.
This new centre is more than a structure; it is a sanctuary a symbol of our collective vision to restore hope, promote healing, and strengthen communities, minister Lengor said.
He highlighted CCSL’s historic leadership role in providing both material and spiritual support during national crises such as the eleven-year civil war, the Ebola outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic, he further commended the organization for standing beside displaced persons, refugees, and other vulnerable groups in their time of need.
Minister Lengor emphasized that CCSL’s centenary celebration goes beyond faith, noting that churches have long used their pulpits to promote discipline, moral values, and social reform. He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to work closely with CCSL and the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone in tackling national challenges, particularly the ongoing drug abuse crisis affecting the country’s youth.
My call for interfaith collaboration with my ministry is timely, he said, this centre should serve as a tool in our joint engagement offering psychosocial support to victims, empowering women and girls, and addressing gender-based violence and other harmful practices that hinder national progress.
The Minister concluded by advising young people to embrace self-discipline, purpose, and positive values, reminding them that dreams can only be achieved through focus and integrity.
Speaking on behalf of the government, the Resident Minister of the North-East Region, Hon. Ibrahim Jalloh, officially declared the Centre open, he expressed deep appreciation to CCSL for its leadership and long-standing partnership with the state in addressing public health emergencies and social crises.
From Ebola to COVID-19 and the recent drug abuse epidemic, CCSL has always been by our side, he said, he value their collaboration and the commitment of Bread for the World in making this edifice a reality, together, we will continue to fight for the wellbeing of our people.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Keziah Kargbo, General Secretary of CCSL, emphasized that the event was not only a dedication of a building but also a reaffirmation of the organization’s mission to empower children, protect families, and address the Kush health emergency the country’s worsening drug crisis.
Our nation is crying out as lives are being lost, talents destroyed, and social consequences continue to grow, Mrs. Kargbo said. Religious leaders must act now.
She stressed the importance of addressing child protection and gender-related challenges in Tonkolili District, including child marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence, and female genital mutilation (FGM). The new Centre, she explained, will serve as a hub for awareness raising, counseling, and community education on these issues.
Mrs. Kargbo also extended heartfelt thanks to CCSL’s donor partners and the Mafanta Correctional Centre inmates, who contributed labor to the construction of the Centre as part of their rehabilitation and skills training program.
Delivering his statement, the Centenary President of CCSL, the Right Reverend Henry A. A. Samuels, described the inauguration as a remarkable milestone that reflects both God’s faithfulness and the church’s enduring mission to serve humanity with love and compassion.
He highlighted the significance of the theme for the occasion Restoring Hope, Strengthening Lives, drawn from Isaiah 61:1–3 which he said symbolizes renewal, healing, and transformation.
This Centre is not just a building, Rev. Samuels said, it is a living sign of hope a place where broken lives can be mended, where the lonely can find comfort, and where communities can be strengthened spiritually and socially.
He reaffirmed the church’s ongoing commitment to national development through faith-based service, advocacy, and community engagement, we stand with our people in every season of hardship, he said, through this Centre, we will listen, counsel, and restore hope wherever it seems lost.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including the Acting Regent Chief of Kholifa Chiefdom, the District Council Chairperson, the Manager of Mafanta Correctional Centre, representatives of civil society organizations, and religious and traditional leaders.
Speakers commended CCSL and Bread for the World for their tireless efforts in promoting national unity, moral renewal, and social justice, many described the new Centre as a vital space for dialogue, healing, and empowerment, especially in the fight against substance abuse and gender-based violence.
The event concluded with a guided tour of the new facility and a group photograph symbolizing unity and shared purpose.
As the CCSL embarks on its next century of service, the new Resource and counseling Centre stands as a vibrant beacon of hope a place where dignity, empathy, and transformation are not only preached but lived out daily.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 7th Noverber 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
