The Arc Mercer Celebrates Sierra Leone’s Independence Day with a Vision for Global Inclusion: Project 602
- Sam Stolz
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
In a moving display of unity, pride, and international collaboration, The Arc Mercer celebrated Sierra Leone’s Independence Day with a powerful flag-raising ceremony at the agency’s headquarters. The event, hosted by the Sierra Leone Culture Connection group in partnership with The Arc Mercer’s Team Atmosphere Committee (TAC), was not just about cultural recognition, but a deep commitment to systemic change in West Africa through the launch of Project 602.
Project 602 is The Arc Mercer’s newest international initiative, modeled after Liberia’s Project 601, with a mission to bring sustainable services, education, and developmental support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across all regions of Sierra Leone. It is a bold vision rooted in the values of inclusion, empowerment, and giving back—anchored by the passionate Sierra Leonean staff at the Arc Mercer who care for individuals every day.
A Call to Action from Leadership
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Executive Director Steven Cook, who praised the board’s unwavering support and announced that formal partnerships are already being finalized in Liberia—with over $150,000 committed. He made it clear that Sierra Leone is next.
“Not only do [the board of directors] make that commitment at board meetings, but they come to these ceremonies with great enthusiasm, because they know you. Whether it's our Sierra Leone community today, Liberian, Haitian, Jamaican, LGBTQ—any community represented in our team—you are the ones taking care of their loved ones. Helping individuals with developmental disabilities in Sierra Leone and other countries is our way of saying ‘thank you.’”
A Moment of Pride and Symbolism
The ceremony included a dual prayer from Alhaji Muhamad Teslim Bakarr and Pastor Simeon K. Mansaray, reflecting the unity of religious communities in this shared mission. This was followed by the heartfelt raising of the American and Sierra Leonean flags. As they rippled in the wind, attendees joined in singing both national anthems. The emotion in the crowd was palpable—a blend of nostalgia, hope, and solidarity.
Honoring Champions of Change
Brima Kamara, Benefits Administrator and Co-Chair of the Sierra Leone Connection Group, was acknowledged for his leadership in advancing Project 602. Brima humbly credited the strength of his team, saying:
“It’s not just work done by me alone. I have a very dynamic team of Sierra Leonean Arc Mercer employees who rally behind me.”
His words reflected a shared passion within the team to build something transformative in their homeland.
A Keynote that Pulled No Punches
The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Gebrilla S. Bangura, General Overseer-Christ Is Lord International, PA-USA. Bangura painted a sobering picture of the state of IDD care in Sierra Leone: a nation where individuals with developmental disabilities are often mischaracterized due to cultural and religious stigma, where there is no Medicaid, no Medicare, and where poor infrastructure leaves thousands without access to care.
“For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the challenges are more significant due to limited access to resources, poor infrastructure, and societal attitude within the Sierra Leonean society… “What Arc is planning to do for Sierra Leone is a blessing. It will be welcomed by the masses… [Arc Mercer] coming to Sierra Leone will be a blessing because people think these people have nobody to care for them. Some parents abandon these kids. A lot of them are dying because no one is caring for them.”
He recounted a tragic story of a woman misdiagnosed as demon-possessed instead of receiving proper cancer treatment—a stark illustration of the misinformation and barriers people face.
Bangura emphasized the lack of trained professionals, poor transportation infrastructure, and deep-rooted misconceptions about IDD that keep many from receiving care.
“A good regimen is a necessary ingredient for helping individuals with developmental disabilities. Every client at Arc Mercer has a doctor, behavior specialist, social worker… we lack that in Sierra Leone.”
Bangura also called attention to the longstanding issue of corruption in Sierra Leone but urged guests not to lose faith:
“There are still good and genuine people in Sierra Leone who want to do good. What you guys are doing—without politics—will stay forever.”
He concluded with a generous donation in support of the Arc Mercer’s programs and Project 602, and a message of hope:
“Learn to rescue the perishing and care for the dying, God will bless you.”
A Celebration of Culture and Commitment
Following the formal program, guests were treated to a spread of authentic Sierra Leonean cuisine, sharing stories and laughter while deepening connections between staff, community, and leadership. Many attended the event, donning cultural attire in a vibrant show of pride.
This year’s Sierra Leone Independence Day celebration was more than a cultural gathering. It served as a reflection of the Arc Mercer’s commitment to honoring its mission-critical staff who make life-changing work possible every day. Events like these are about more than celebration; they are a way to pay it forward by investing in the people who invest so much in the lives of others.
Executive Director Steven Cook shared in his closing remarks.
“There are many here who simply love working on the project 601, 602, 603, that have no formal connection to the culture of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Haiti... We are individuals that are moved by the commitment and passion that our mission critical staff show.”
He continued, “It isn’t going to be the Arc Mercer writing a check and running these things. It’s Liberians and Sierra Leoneans that are going to be running these nonprofits over there. It is because of them and through them, that this initiative is going to be successful.”
Culture is everything at the Arc Mercer. Whether through events that celebrate heritage or global initiatives, the agency remains committed to creating space where every team member’s contributions—and cultural identity—are valued and uplifted.