At Interfaith Dialogue…
Partnering To Serve Humanity Feeds Over 3,000 People
By Mohamed Konneh
Partnering to Serve Humanity comprising Caritas Freetown, Healey International Relief Foundation, Tzu Chi Foundation and Lanyi on Tuesday 19th December 2023 distributed 10kilo bags of rice to over Three Thousand households’ heads.
The distribution was done at the Jesus is Lord Ministry Compound bringing together faith leaders under one roof.
This is the seventh year Partnering To Serve Humanity is holding the interfaith dialogue with the distribution of rice to the poor and needy.
Giving the rational of the interfaith dialogue, the Program Manager at Healey International Relief Foundation, Ishmael Alfred Charles said in recognizing the significant role of interfaith dialogue in fostering peace and national cohesion emphasise the importance of engaging in open and respectful conversations.
Mr Charles said these dialogues allow individuals from diverse religious backgrounds to deepen their understanding of each other’s belief and values.
‘We can work towards a shared vision of harmony and unity by finding common ground and building bridges of understanding. Through these efforts, we strengthen the bonds between communities and contribute to the overall peace and stability of Sierra Leone, he said.
Mr Charles noted that the distribution of rice is made possible as a result of the support from Tzu Chi Foundation and that the consortium has organized this event for the past six years and this is the seventh year in a row.
He said this is a demonstration of love, compassion and care for those in need, a core teaching of Dhama Master Cheng Yen, the founder of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation.
In his statement before the distribution, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown and Convener of the interfaith dialogue, Rev. Father Peter Konteh this is joy, particularly in the spirit of coming together to share food with the poor for the joyous occasion of Christmas.
He said the gathering is a testament to the power of unity and compassion, transcending the boundaries of faith and coming together as one community.
‘Sierra Leone is a country blessed with religious diversity, where people of various faiths coexist harmoniously. This diversity is a source of strength, enriching our society and providing us with the opportunity to learn from one another. It is a reflection of the values of tolerance, understanding, and respect that are deeply ingrained in the fabric of our nation,’ he said.
Father Konteh noted that as we approach the festive season of Christmas, it is a time for joy, celebration, and giving.
‘It is a time when we gather with our loved ones to share in the spirit of generosity and goodwill. It is also a time to remember those who are less fortunate, those who may not have enough to eat or to celebrate.
Today, we have come together, representing various religious traditions, to exemplify the true essence of compassion and solidarity. We are here to demonstrate that, despite our differences in belief, we are united in our commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of our society,’ he said.
He said the act of sharing food with the poor is a powerful symbol of our collective responsibility to uplift those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.
The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karmity making the distribution said Sierra Leone is a peaceful country with peaceful people.
He thanked the people of Sierra Leone for showing resilience during this period of difficulty adding that the rice distribution is made possible because of the peace we have in the country.
The government is doing all that it could to keep the peace.
‘As a government we have big five game changer for which Feed Salone is the biggest. We continue to do our very best in bringing development.
The Minister called on the gathering to help fight the drug abuse especially Kush noting that government is now doing all that is possible to curtail drug abuse in the country.
Message from Dharma Master Chenge Yen climax the occasion.
