World Hope International Expands Disability Inclusion in Sierra Leone & Liberia using Kupenda’s Training Approaches and Tools

By, Kadiatu Koroma, an Enable the Children (ETC) social worker and  Jonathan Williams, an ETC pastoral support worker

Kupenda’s partner, World Hope International (WHI), recognizes the pivotal role of religious leaders in shaping societal attitudes about disability. By using Kupenda’s training model to mobilize Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders as disability advocates, WHI aims to dismantle misconceptions and foster environments where persons with disabilities are welcomed and valued.

Between 2018 and 2025, WHI used Kupenda’s approach and materials to train more than 950 community leaders in Sierra Leone and Liberia.  

In the heart of Freetown, Sierra Leone, a beacon of change is illuminating the path towards a more inclusive society. WHI’s Enable the Children (ETC) program, dedicated to empowering children with disabilities, has witnessed a remarkable transformation within God’s End Time Evangelical Church, a testament to the power of faith-based leadership and community engagement.

In 2024, the church’s head pastor attended WHI’s Kupenda-inspired pastor training on disability inclusion. After the training the pastor invited WHI to present about disability inclusion during one of their Sunday services. The congregation was so moved by the short sensitization, they asked for more in-depth training. In response, WHI held another training  at the beginning of March 2025. In this training, nearly 100 congregants participated in a dedicated workshop focused on understanding and supporting individuals with disabilities.

The training session was not merely a passive learning experience. It ignited a spark within the church community. Driven by a newfound understanding and a deep sense of compassion, the church members formed five action groups:

• Teenage: Comprised of young leaders within the church committed to fostering inclusivity among the younger generation.
• The Pastors (“The Altar”) Group: Focused on integrating disability inclusion into their ministry and teachings.
• The Branch Church Group: Dedicated to extending the message of inclusion to their wider network.
• The Host Church Group: Responsible for ensuring the church itself becomes a model of accessibility and acceptance.
• The Women’s Group: Focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities.

This proactive response underscores WHI and Kupenda’s participatory training approach and the Church’s commitment to translating knowledge into action. The Church’s leadership and members expressed profound gratitude for the training, acknowledging WHI’s dedication and expertise. They emphasized the training’s role in enhancing their understanding of how to effectively support and minister to individuals with disabilities, reinforcing their commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming church community.

This success story is not an isolated incident. WHI’s training sessions, extending across Freetown and the provinces, including the Inter-Religious Council and traditional healers, have consistently yielded inspiring outcomes. One notable example includes a pastor and his wife who, following WHI’s training, established a foundation dedicated to serving people with disabilities through their church.

The transformation at God’s End Time Evangelical Church exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships and the willingness of faith-based communities to embrace inclusivity. WHI is committed to expanding its community sensitization efforts and forging strategic partnerships with religious leaders who are passionate about championing disability rights.

As WHI continues this vital work, it invites individuals and organizations to join in supporting this mission. For example, over the past two years they have also expanded these trainings to mobilize 676 NGO, community, and religious leaders in Liberia as disability advocates. By empowering these influential figures and fostering collaborative engagement, WHI is creating a more inclusive and equitable society in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Want to keep updated on Kupenda’s work?

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Learn more about Kupenda in our podcast.

Sign up for our newsletter.

Or provide a scholarship for a child in need for just $35 / month.