DOFA Holds 2024 Beauty Pageant in a Grand Style

By: Bonnke Fofanah

In celebration of old age, the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) held its annual Miss DOFA 2024 Beauty Pageant on October 12, 2024, at the Freetown City Hall, Lightfoot Boston Street in Freetown.

The event, was organized with the theme:  “Miss Old is Gold,” was part of DOFA’s ongoing efforts to honor and recognize the elderly people.

The pageant was chaired by Mr. John Konteh, Marketing Specialist of Africell. In his opening remarks, Mr. Konteh praised DOFA for its commitment to celebrating the elderly, remarking that reaching old age is a blessing and emphasizing that old age is not a sickness but a stage of life that deserves respect.

Reverend Peter Conteh, senior adviser to DOFA, welcomed the audience, noting that this annual event is part of DOFA’s mission to celebrate the lives of the elderly. He also shared that DOFA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Human Rights Commission for Sierra Leone to ensure that the elderly are not only recognized but also protected from abuse and neglect. He called on the government to pass legislation that would safeguard the rights and well-being of the elderly, citing examples from other countries where seniors enjoy free medical care and public transportation.

DOFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Madam Doreen Barrie, expressed her joy at seeing increased recognition for the elderly. She thanked the attendees for their support and stressed the importance of respecting and protecting the elderly. Barrie highlighted that the beauty pageant is one of the organization’s traditions, symbolizing the honoring and celebration of the lives and wisdom of older adults. She reiterated DOFA’s commitment to continuing its work for the elderly and appealed for financial support from the government and other benevolent organizations to expand their reach.

The Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, commended DOFA for its work, particularly in providing weekly medical services to elderly people across the country. She expressed gratitude to Madam Doreen and the DOFA team for organizing the pageant, which allowed the elderly to reflect on their youthful years. Minister Karminty echoed the sentiment that old age is not a disease and called on everyone to treat the elderly with respect, regardless of their financial situation. She assured the audience of the government’s ongoing support for DOFA’s activities, particularly in healthcare services for the elderly.

In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Karminty said, “DOFA complements the government’s efforts, especially in providing free weekly medical checkups for the elderly. My office will continue to support their vital work.”