Advancing Autism Awareness, Early Identification, Inclusive Education, and Family Support in Sierra Leone
Straight From The Heart International Inc. (SFTH) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Early Childhood Development Network Sierra Leone (ECD Network Sierra Leone) on October 28, 2026.
The MOU was signed on behalf of Straight From The Heart International Inc. by Mrs. Sia Mary Kamara, SFTH Parent Representative and member of the organization, alongside Mrs. Melody Martin, Director of ECD Network Sierra Leone.
This important milestone marks a new chapter in SFTH International’s mission to advance autism awareness, early identification, caregiver education, disability inclusion, and family support across Africa.
A Partnership Built on Shared Commitment
Through this technical partnership, SFTH International and ECD Network Sierra Leone will work collaboratively to strengthen the inclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) within early childhood development programs.
The partnership will focus on:
- Increasing awareness and understanding of autism and developmental disabilities.
- Strengthening early identification and developmental screening education.
- Supporting training and capacity building for early childhood educators, caregivers, and community workers.
- Promoting inclusive early childhood education and appropriate classroom accommodations.
- Developing caregiver education and family-support initiatives.
- Strengthening referral pathways to appropriate health, education, and social services.
- Supporting community engagement, advocacy, and stigma reduction.
- Promoting research, monitoring, evaluation, and regional knowledge-sharing.
Both organizations will establish a Joint Technical Working Group to coordinate activities, develop implementation plans, and identify opportunities for sustainable collaboration.
Recognizing the Importance of Parent Leadership
SFTH International extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Sia Mary Kamara for representing the organization at this important signing ceremony.
As a parent representative, Mrs. Kamara brings valuable lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges, hopes, and aspirations of families raising children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Her participation reflects SFTH International’s commitment to ensuring that parents and caregivers are not only beneficiaries of programs but also active contributors to their development and implementation.
Leadership and Coordination
The Sierra Leone partnership will be coordinated on behalf of SFTH International by Mr. Reginald Fallah Turay, Chief Operating Officer (COO), working closely with Mrs. Sia Mary Kamara and the organization’s leadership team.
Mr. Ibrahim Dukulay, Regional Director of SFTH International in Liberia, will provide regional coordination support and contribute lessons learned from SFTH’s ongoing initiatives in Liberia.
Together, the team will support the development of practical programs that promote inclusion, strengthen families, and improve access to educational and community-based support.
A Message from Our Founder and CEO
Agnes Fallah Kamara, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SFTH International, shared:
“Every partnership we build brings us closer to a future where children with autism and other developmental disabilities are understood, accepted, and given opportunities to learn and thrive.
I am deeply grateful to Mrs. Sia Mary Kamara for representing our organization and to Mrs. Melody Martin and the ECD Network Sierra Leone team for their willingness to work alongside us.
Our commitment has always been to turn awareness into understanding, and understanding into meaningful action.
We believe that when families, educators, community leaders, and organizations come together, we can build a more inclusive Africa—one child, one family, and one community at a time.”
Looking Ahead
The signing of this MOU establishes a framework for future collaboration between SFTH International and ECD Network Sierra Leone.
The next phase will involve joint planning, identifying training and community engagement priorities, strengthening technical partnerships, and developing an implementation work plan.
Through this partnership, SFTH International continues its mission of building awareness, understanding, support, and inclusion for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Together, we are building a more inclusive future for children and families across Africa.
Partnership announcement and photograph supplied by SFTH International. MOU signed October 28, 2026.
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