Doreen Barrie Launches DOFA Feeding Initiative for the Aged
By Abdul Rahman Bah
The Susan’s Bay Community Center was alive with anticipation as it hosted a momentous occasion—the official launch of the DOFA Feeding the Aging initiative on Thursday 16th January 2025, spearheaded by the passionate Doreen Barrie.
This groundbreaking initiative represented a significant leap forward in the community’s ongoing efforts to uphold dignity, care, and unwavering support for elderly residents.
It was meticulously crafted to address the urgent needs of ageing individuals within Susan’s Bay, yet its vision extended far beyond local borders, aiming to touch the lives of many across the provinces and various communities in Freetown. The heartfelt dedication of the organizers shone through, reflecting their resolute commitment to broadening the initiative’s reach and ensuring that it would create meaningful, lasting changes in the lives of those it served.
The event served as a vibrant tapestry woven from the voices of community leaders and members, creating a rich narrative of resilience and unity. Two particularly compelling conversations emerged during the gathering, each displaying unique but complementary insights into the challenges and opportunities that faced the Susan’s Bay community.
Doreen Barrie, with palpable passion, implored her audience to unite in engagement and collective action. Her powerful call echoed through the hall as she articulated the crucial role of community involvement in the decision-making process. She articulated her deep-seated frustrations over the persistent adversities that plagued the community—insufficient resources, a lack of necessities like food and clothing, and an overarching struggle to amplify the community’s voice. Yet, beneath her frustration lay an unwavering determination and sincere gratitude for the support they had begun to receive. With pointed criticism, she highlighted the actions of external entities that she believed either turned a blind eye to the community’s needs or sought to exploit its vulnerabilities.
Celebrating moments of togetherness, such as the sharing of meals and acts of kindness, she reinforced the notion that solidarity was vital for overcoming challenges. Her resounding message was one of resilience and hope, urging her fellow community members to remain steadfast in their quest for meaningful change against all odds.
In stark contrast, Chief Pa Alimamy approached the podium with a serene gravitas, infused with wisdom and spiritual insight. His address carried profound spiritual undertones as he encouraged the community to place their trust in God while embracing both individual and collective responsibility for their growth. Utilizing the metaphor of navigating a car, he adeptly illustrated the significance of preparation, a clear conscience, and the importance of pursuing long-term goals rather than being weighed down by immediate struggles. His words resonated deeply within the crowd, invoking feelings of gratitude, solidarity, and hope, as he urged everyone to envision a future that transcended their present hardships. In his closing remarks, he beautifully blended traditional greetings with a message of optimism, reinforcing the necessity for consistent leadership and sustained engagement to fulfil the aspirations of the community.
The launch of the DOFA Feeding the Aging initiative was more than a mere event; it emerged as a beacon of hope and a powerful testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing needs of its elderly residents. As prayers filled the air for continued support and provision, the program encapsulated a profound belief in the power of collective action and faith. It underscored that caring for the elderly transcends a moral obligation; it is a shared responsibility that spans geographic boundaries.
With a focused mission to ensure that the elderly within Susan’s Bay received proper nourishment and support, the initiative’s immediate goals were clear. However, the program’s vision stretched far beyond this initial phase. During the event, tantalizing hints of the next phase were unveiled, scheduled to extend into Freetown and beyond the following month. This ambitious expansion highlighted the drive of the organizers, who were resolutely dedicated to extending their care and creating a sustainable model of support for the ageing population.
Moreover, the program stood as an urgent call to ageing for all involved stakeholders, urging them to actively participate and contribute to ensure the initiative’s sustainability and success. The DOFA Feeding the Aging initiative illuminated a path forward, embodying hope, unity, and resilience while showcasing the unwavering resolve of the Susan’s Bay community to surmount adversities and foster a brighter future for its elderly population and communities far and wide.
