Don Bosco Fambul in Freetown

Don Bosco Fambul in Freetown
A social work that gives life to Don Bosco today

(ANS – Freetown, Sierra Leone – January 24, 2025) – Founded in 1998, Don Bosco Fambul (DBF) is a prominent Sierra Leonean-based NGO originally established to rehabilitate and reintegrate child soldiers into society. Over time, DBF expanded its focus to support the country’s most vulnerable children, including street children and victims of abuse, trafficking, early marriage, and sexual exploitation. The organization is now a national leader in child protection, operating the largest interim care and therapeutic centers for abused children in Sierra Leone.

DBF’s mission is to protect, rehabilitate, reunify, and reintegrate children and youths who are victims of grave violations of their rights in Sierra Leone. Guided by Don Bosco’s Preventive System of education, DBF takes a holistic approach to child protection. This approach involves families, authorities, and communities, addressing the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of each child. The organization upholds values of openness, acceptance, transparency, respect, honesty, accountability, optimism, creativity, and responsibility.

DBF operates through two main campuses in Freetown, each offering targeted services:

1. Fort Street Campus

Mobil Project: Conducts outreach programs and interventions for children living on the streets. Hope Plus Project: Provides education, skills training, and reintegration support for underage girls exploited in prostitution. Pademba Project: Focuses on rehabilitating boys in conflict with the law, including those in detention. Childline Project: Operates a 24/7 toll-free helpline (525) for children in crisis, ensuring rapid response and referral to appropriate services.

2. Therapy Center Campus

Girls’ Shelter: A safe haven for girls who have experienced abuse, trafficking, and cruelty, providing psychosocial, medical, educational, and legal assistance. Girls’ Shelter Plus: Focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating girls involved in prostitution, offering holistic care and a pathway to a better future. Child Care Center: Provides temporary shelter, care, and rehabilitation for vulnerable boys, including street boys and victims of neglect or exploitation. Group Home: Offers long-term alternative care for boys who have been rejected, neglected, or abandoned, helping them rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.

DBF Therapy Center operates 24/7 with qualified personnel, offering innovative programs and strategic partnerships. It features a metal training workshop and an automotive mechanic garage for beneficiaries engaged in skill development.

DBF works closely with local and international organizations to enhance its impact:

Community of Practice (CoP) for SGBV: A coalition of over 50 organizations advocating against sexual and gender-based violence. Rainbo Initiative and Aberdeen Women’s Center: Partners providing medical and psychosocial support for SGBV survivors, including fistula surgeries and teenage mother empowerment. Network for Street Children: A consortium focused on improving the lives of street children and advocating against child abuse and exploitation. Government and Legal Support: Collaborates with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Support Unit, and the Legal Aid Board for child protection, justice, and reintegration. Anti-Trafficking Initiatives: Partners with organizations like World Hope International, Defense for Children International, and IOM to combat child trafficking.

Case Story: Yappoh Koroma, 18 (name changed)

Yappoh’s journey is a powerful story of resilience and hope. Orphaned at a young age and a victim of child trafficking, he faced immense challenges with no family support. Thru the intervention of the Sierra Leone Police and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Yappoh was connected to Don Bosco Fambul, a trusted organization supporting vulnerable children.

Despite efforts to trace his relatives, none were found. Recognizing his potential, Don Bosco Fambul enrolled Yappoh in an auto mechanic workshop in Freetown. He thrived in this environment, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic. His skills earned him the opportunity to assist at the Don Bosco garage, where he further honed his expertise.

Yappoh’s transformation from a vulnerable trafficking victim to a skilled and promising young auto mechanic showcases the power of opportunity and determination. His story inspires others to overcome adversity with perseverance and the right support system.

Case Story: Sando Sesay, 9 (name changed)

Sando is a nine-year-old girl who has been a victim of sexual abuse by her cousin. The perpetrator not only abused Sando but also her mother and sister. The matter was reported to the Police-FSU by a concerned citizen. Since the perpetrator is still at large, Sando and her sisters have been staying at DBF for the past three years. Unfortunately, none of their other family members visited them during this time, which left Sando and her siblings feeling abandoned and neglected.

Sando faces significant challenges as she deals with the trauma of abuse while managing a difficult family situation. She lost her father, and her mother, who is deaf, mute, and partially blind, is unable to provide support. It’s heartbreaking that other family members have not stepped in to help, and her uncle has even suggested adoption, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility. This situation is incredibly tough for her and her siblings, and they truly deserve compassion and support.

Despite Sando’s challenges, her determination to continue her education at Don Bosco Fambul is inspiring. Now in class 3 and performing well academically, she also engages in cultural dance, quiz competitions, and choir, which bring her joy and connection during this journey.