Social Welfare Ministry Discharges 116 Kush Survivors from Hastings Rehabilitation Center
The Ministry of Social Welfare welcomed the discharge of 116 survivors from the Rehabilitated Center at Hastings’ Peace Mission Training Centre in Freetown’s Western Rural Areas, a joint effort by multiple ministries and agencies.
For these men, women, boys, and girls all participants in the Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Integration initiative of the National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse the graduation ceremony on Friday represented a critical turning point in their recovery journeys.
Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh praised the Ministry of Social Welfare and the staff at the Hastings Rehabilitation Center for their dedication and effective service during the ceremony. "This year, the Rehabilitation Centre initially received 120 kush addicts, with 116 successfully completing the program," stated Chief Minister Sengeh.
He highlighted the diverse
backgrounds of the survivors, including students from secondary schools,
universities such as Fourah Bay College, Milton Margai University, Njala
University, vocational institutes, and entrepreneurs.
Chief
Minister Sengeh emphasized President Bio’s commitment to Human Capital
Development and outlined ongoing efforts to support youth welfare, including
the recent launch of the Youth Status Report. "We have witnessed
discipline and attention to detail at the rehabilitation center, setting it
apart," Sengeh affirmed, urging parents and stakeholders to continue
supporting the survivors as they reintegrate into their communities.
The
second batch of 116 graduates joins an earlier group of 50, totaling
170 survivors discharged in 2024. Sengeh expressed confidence in their ability
to contribute positively to society, with ongoing support from the Ministry of
Technical and Higher Education and other partners.
Melrose Karminty, the Minister of Social Welfare, acknowledged President Bio’s swift action in addressing the Kush drug issue, which led to the formation of the National Task Force and coordinated efforts across ministries and agencies.
Major General Taluva, Minister of Internal Affairs, reiterated the government’s
commitment to guiding youth from harmful substances and stressed the
importance of responsibility and community integration for the survivors.
Despite
facing challenges during the rehabilitation process, including incidents
requiring disciplinary action, the majority of survivors successfully completed
their programs and are now ready to pursue educational and vocational
opportunities. "I am overjoyed at my discharge and grateful for President
Bio’s support through the Ministry of Social Welfare," said Rehinatu Sese
Koker, a former addict and university student, expressing relief and hope for
the future.
Parents, such as Memuna Kamara, whose son was affected by peer influence, expressed profound gratitude for the rehabilitation center’s role in saving lives and providing a path to recovery.
Ansu Konneh, Director of Mental Health and
Psychosocial Support Services at the Ministry of Social Welfare, highlighted
the implementation of psychosocial models to address drug addiction,
emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Looking
forward, government officials, including Dr. Vandi from the Ministry of Health
and representatives from the National Drug Enforcement Agency, pledged
continued support for the survivors’ health and well-being, underscoring their
commitment to combating drug abuse in Sierra Leone.
As
the survivors embark on their next chapter, supported by government initiatives
and community backing, their stories of resilience and recovery serve as a
beacon of hope in the fight against drug addiction nationwide. This successful
rehabilitation effort demonstrates the power of coordinated action and the
potential for individuals to overcome significant challenges with the right
support systems in place.
The ceremony was a celebration of personal victories and a testament to the collective efforts of the Ministry of Social Welfare, healthcare professionals, and the broader community.
As these 116 individuals reintegrate
into society, their journey from addiction to recovery stands as an inspiring
example of what can be achieved through dedication, support, and effective
rehabilitation programs.