Joining the conversation in Freetown
Following the launch of the Early Childhood Development Network Sierra Leone, the Network invited Straight From The Heart International, Inc. to its first ECD Network Meeting. SFTH’s Chief Operating Officer, Reginald Fallah Turay, was in Freetown and attended on behalf of the organization.
Early support. Meaningful inclusion.
In an expression of interest dated 21 September 2026, SFTH outlined opportunities to contribute its experience in autism and developmental disabilities to early childhood health, education and family support. Proposed areas include community awareness, caregiver education, early identification, referral pathways, inclusive pre-primary education and regional knowledge-sharing.
Building the relationship
In its response of 21 September 2026, ECD Network Sierra Leone welcomed SFTH’s interest and recognized shared priorities in supporting children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Network proposed a leadership discussion to explore how the organizations’ expertise and priorities could complement each other.
The next step: an MOU
At the time of this September update, SFTH and ECD Network Sierra Leone were working toward a Memorandum of Understanding. Update, October 28, 2026: Mrs. Sia Mary Kamara and Mrs. Melody Martin signed the MOU, establishing a framework for collaboration on autism awareness, early identification, inclusive early childhood education and family support. Read the October partnership announcement in Stories & news for the full update.
People behind the shared purpose
Moments from the first ECD Network Sierra Leone meeting. Photographs supplied by SFTH.
SFTH event update and correspondence exchanged with ECD Network Sierra Leone on 21 September 2026. The meeting date has not been specified. Update, October 28, 2026: the partnership MOU has now been signed.
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