The event attracted key representatives from the Office of National Security (ONS), Freetown City Council (FCC), School authorities, Pupils and key stakeholders within the Old Wharf Community.

Presenting an overview of the project, the Project Coordinator, Sheku Alaka Tijan Mansaray, maintained that the project is a pilot phase that is currently being implemented in two other countries (Myanmar and Uganda), alongside Sierra Leone. He cited an instance on the project’s impact in Portee/Rokupa community, pinpointing on the fact that Portee/Rokupa community is yet to record a major disaster occurrence since the inception of the project in the community.

Andrew Chikopa, Country Representative BRAC Sierra Leone presented background information about the organization and encouraged residents of the Old Wharf community to own the process, and take advantage of the opportunity, by supporting BRAC in enhancing a successful implementation. He urged the community residents to desist from negative social practices that may lead to the occurrence of major disaster within their communities.

In his key note address, the Deputy Director of Disaster Management, Sinneh Mansaray, noted that BRAC has been one of the strongest partners supporting the ONS in Disaster Management and Response in Sierra Leone. He gave a brief orientation on the Disaster Management Cycle and went on to emphasize on the importance of multi-sectoral approach in addressing disaster.