By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the Dorwontony Organisation for the Aged (DOFA) celebrated four years of service to the elderly in Sierra Leone. The milestone event, held at Albert Street off Circular Road, coincided with their monthly tradition of providing free meals and breakfast to seniors. This month’s gathering was especially significant, as it marked DOFA’s fourth anniversary, with a broader focus on raising awareness about issues facing older people, in recognition of the international month for the elderly, which began on October 1.
Doreen Barrie, CEO and founder of DOFA, highlighted the organization’s journey, expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received from the local community. “It hasn’t been easy, but thanks to Sierra Leoneans, we’ve been able to continue our work. Imagine raising a four-year-old child—it’s not easy, let alone running an organization like this,” she said.
Since its inception, DOFA has made significant strides in improving the lives of the elderly. Barrie proudly announced that the organization has built six homes and toilet facilities for seniors in Grafton. In addition to the monthly meal service, DOFA organizes festive feasts during Ramadan, Easter, and Christmas. They’ve also provided seniors with essential supplies like mattresses, wheelchairs, diapers, food, and clothing—all made possible through contributions from sponsors.
Barrie used the occasion to extend her appreciation to those who have supported DOFA financially and materially, acknowledging the challenges of running an organization dedicated to senior care. She emphasized that the elderly require considerable attention, more so than children, due to their limited mobility and inability to care for themselves. Barrie called on more individuals, companies, and NGOs to offer financial support, particularly to expand DOFA’s work to other regions in Sierra Leone.
She further praised the contributions of People’s Pharmacy, Tankoro, and the Sierra Leone Allies Organisation based in the U.S., which have helped meet the medical needs of the seniors, although more assistance is required as the number of elderly beneficiaries continues to rise.
Barrie also urged national institutions like NASSIT and NaCSA to collaborate with DOFA, explaining that every year, they provide assistance to 40 seniors, but more can be done with greater institutional support. She reiterated the need for a dedicated government budget allocation for the elderly, emphasizing that the older generation has contributed significantly to the country and deserves recognition.
In conclusion, Barrie revealed that the annual cost of running DOFA’s programs exceeds 100 million leones, catering to over 300 seniors. She called on First Lady Fatima Bio to join their efforts, recognizing her achievements in championing women’s causes, and invited more stakeholders to join in addressing the needs of Sierra Leone’s elderly population.
Speakers at the event echoed Barrie’s sentiments. Abubakarr Conteh, Human Rights Officer at the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, emphasized that old age is not a burden but an achievement, and called for the protection of elderly rights. Mohammed S. Bah, CEO of Health Care for the Aged, pledged to collaborate with DOFA to provide better medical care for seniors, while Reverend Father Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas, signed an MOU with DOFA, committing to the protection of elderly citizens.
The event closed with a heartfelt reminder from Cordelia Sankoh, CEO of Cry of a Woman Advocacy, who cited the biblical commandment to honor one’s parents, saying, “Old age is not a curse, but a blessing.”
