Freetown, 2nd February 2023 – The National Disaster Management Agency, with support from the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), has facilitated the provision of educational and sports items to the Cockrill fire victims.
The relief items presented include: tarpaulins, books, pens, pencils, erasers, footballs, basketballs, tennis, skipping ropes, scrabbles and drafts.
On the 9th of January 2023, the NDMA was alerted of a fire incident which occurred at Cockrill, New Town Community, off Wilkinson Road.
According to the initial assessment conducted by NDMA and partners, the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction and affected a total of 102 households, including the only school in the community.
NDMA’s Director of Relief and Response, Mr Sinneh Mansaray said immediately after he received a report of the fire incident, an emergency coordination meeting was convened with partners. During this, UNICEF and other partners pledged to support the victims.
“After the incident, a coordination meeting was held with partners, the assessment report was presented and partners pledged to support. The response today is a fulfilment of the commitment made by UNICEF in that meeting.” He disclosed.
Director Sinneh also commended UNICEF for providing relief support as it will help especially the affected pupils to recover mentally, physically and educationally.
Whilst presenting the relief items, the Education Specialist at UNICEF, Mr Mbayo commended the NDMA for its mechanisms put in place to ensure the seamless coordination of partners in responding to disaster victims in the country. He further revealed that, as a humanitarian organization, UNICEF is very concerned about the welfare of the affected pupils and the school structure. He said that they will consult with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary School Education (MBSSE) to provide additional support for the pupils and school.
Concern Worldwide, Save the Children, and other partners present committed to constructing a toilet with a water storage facility and providing direct cash transfers to the 102 affected Households.
