CENTRE FOR DISABILITY AND LESS-PRIVILEGE (CDP)
Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Vulnerable Communities in Sierra Leone

Appreciation

The Centre for Disability and Less-Privilege (CDP) extends heartfelt gratitude to our early supporters, community partners, and stakeholders who have championed our vision. We invite collaboration with organizations and individuals committed to fostering inclusivity and equity in Sierra Leone. Together, we can transform lives.

 Introduction & Context
About CDP
Founded in 2024 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the Centre for Disability and Less-Privilege (CDP) is a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs), their caregivers, and less-privileged individuals.

Mission

Our mission is to establish a Rehabilitation Centre (RC) and residential facility that provides:

• Specialized healthcare services and therapiestailored to PWDs.
• An educational and vocational training centerequipped with adaptive technology and skilled staff to foster independence.
• Shelter and holistic supportfor PWDs, caregivers, and marginalized individuals, enabling reintegration into society.

The Need

Recent data highlights over 95,000 PWDs in Sierra Leone, including those with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments; war-wounded amputees; polio survivors; mentally disabled individuals; and displaced persons lacking shelter. Systemic neglect has led to:

• Poor health outcomesdue to inadequate healthcare and outdoor exposures.
• Extreme poverty, unemployment, and heightened vulnerability to crime, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation.
• High rates of HIV/STDs, preventable mortality, and social exclusion.

Current Interventions

Though currently self-funded, CDP has initiated critical grassroots activities:

• Community Outreach: Advocacy and awareness campaigns to combat stigma and promote disability rights.
• Medical Services: (a) Daily drop-in clinics at our center (84 Kissy Road) for early diagnosis and treatment. (b) House-to-house visits for homebound PWDs, offering free check-ups, treatments, and therapies.
• Slum-Based Care: Delivering healthcare and psychosocial support directly to underserved communities.

Project Proposal: Scaling up

CDP seeks partnerships and technical support from organizations like NGOs, Corporate sponsors and private sector partners. International donors and grant-making institutions to expand and sustain its programs.

Key initiatives include:

1. Rehabilitation Centre & Shelter:

Construction of a fully equipped facility offering medical care, rehabilitation, and safe housing. Vocational training in trades (e.g., tailoring, IT, agriculture) to foster economic independence.

1. Community Empowerment:
   Mobile health units for remote areas. Inclusive education programs for children and adults with disabilities. Anti-discrimination campaigns to shift societal attitudes.
2. Sustainability & Advocacy:
   Training local healthcare workers in disability-specific care. Collaborating with government agencies to influence inclusive policies.

Call for Collaboration

CDP invites partnerships with organizations to support our initiatives. Support could include:

• Funding for infrastructure, medical equipment, and educational tools.
• Technical expertise in program design, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Advocacy platforms to amplify the voices of PWDs.

Rehabilitation Centre & Shelter:

Construction of a fully equipped facility offering medical care, rehabilitation, and safe housing. Vocational training in trades (e.g., tailoring, IT, agriculture, carpentry, hair dressing, Art and craft, entertainment band – ETC) to foster economic independence.