By: Reginald Brian Ojukutu Sawyerr
Sierra Leonean-American lawyer Saddie Johns, of the Law Offices of Saddie Johns in the United States of America, on 7 August 2026 provided food and other forms of support to children with special needs and teachers at the National School for the Deaf in Freetown.
The donation formed part of an initiative aimed at showing solidarity with children living with hearing impairment, autism and other special needs, while also recognizing the dedication of teachers and caregivers working with them.
Speaking during the visit, Madam Saddie Johns said the support was her contribution towards making a difference in the lives of children with special needs.
She emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential of children with disabilities and encouraged parents and society to provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to develop their talents.
“Because your child has special needs does not mean the child does not know anything or cannot achieve. These children have potential. They have special talents, and if we do not nurture and support those talents, we may never see their true potential.”
Madam Johns said the donation was only a starting point, expressing her desire to establish a lasting partnership with the school and other institutions supporting children with special needs.
She also pledged to engage with the school authorities to better understand their needs and explore areas where she and the Law Offices of Saddie John could provide further assistance.
The National School for the Deaf, which is operated by the Sierra Leone Society for the Deaf and supported by government through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, provides education for children with hearing impairment from nursery through primary level.
School authorities, however, say children face significant challenges when they transition into mainstream secondary schools.
The lack of specialized teachers and sign-language interpreters in many mainstream schools often makes it difficult for students with hearing impairment to continue their education successfully.
According to the school, some students eventually drop out after completing junior secondary education because of the difficulties they encounter in the mainstream education system.
The school has therefore introduced vocational and skills training to equip children with practical skills that can help them become self-reliant in the future.
School authorities are also hoping to establish a well-equipped vocational centre where children can learn a wider range of skills.
In addition to supporting the children, Madam Johns’ donation also included food and support for teachers at the school, recognizing their continued commitment to educating and caring for children with special needs.
The school expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing such support as important in encouraging teachers and strengthening the institution’s ability to serve its students.
The event also brought together children and representatives from the autism community, promoting greater inclusion and solidarity among organizations and individuals working to improve the lives of children with special needs.
Madam Saddie Johns said she hopes the initiative will continue annually and develop into a stronger partnership with schools and organizations working in the disability sector.
She called on parents, government, private institutions, philanthropists and other stakeholders to play their part in ensuring that children with special needs are given the opportunity to learn, develop their talents and become productive members of society.
