𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝s 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
At the invitation of the Orange CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, accompanied by the Commissioner for Persons with Disability, embarked on a conducted tour of the newly reopened Orange Digital Centre (ODC), situated on Alpha Wurie Drive, Hill station, Regent Road in Freetown. The visit underscores the company’s unwavering support towards empowering persons with disabilities.
Orange, as part of its corporate social responsibility, has provided a state-of- the-art digital facility and opportunities for persons with disabilities to learn valuable digital and technology skills. In her remarks, Honourable Minister highlighted how President Bio and his government are passionate about inclusive governance, stressing that the private sector is crucial in creating equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of ability. She commended Orange for translating this vision into action, noting that such initiatives reduce dependency and promote self-reliance among persons with disabilities.
The Commissioner for Persons with Disability Brima Abdulai Sheriff echoed similar sentiments, praising Orange for demonstrating practical inclusion and empowerment. Drawing from his extensive advocacy and policy experience, he underscored that true support for persons with disabilities means involving them from the planning stage to implementation. He emphasised dignity over pity, urging that corporate organisations integrate rights-based approaches into their operations while aligning with national priorities. The Commissioner also revealed plans to use Orange’s program as an advocacy model to encourage other institutions to follow suit, highlighting that corporate responsibility should go beyond profit to make a lasting social impact.
In his remarks, the CEO of Orange Sierra Leone reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering inclusion, revealing that they operate multiple women’s digital centres and training hubs aimed at bridging the digital gap. He expressed the company’s willingness to collaborate with the government to expand these opportunities to more communities. He disclosed that the company already has three Digital Centers and two Orange Digital Clubs that are well established in the regions.
Mr. Bah stated that Orange Mobile Company is not only in Sierra Leone to do business, but to use its platform to collaborate with the Government of Sierra Leone in enhancing digital knowledge and entrepreneurship in the country with the aim of impacting positively on the business community across the country. He said the company’s inclusion policy is a deliberate strategy that has also been inculcated in the company’s service delivery mission.
The visit ended on a note of mutual appreciation, with all parties reaffirming their dedication to building a more inclusive Sierra Leone where every citizen has the space and resources to thrive.