About US
Background of the Organization
The Polio Persons Development Association (PoPDA) is a grassroots non-profit organization based in Magbenteh, Makeni, Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone. The organization was established by persons affected by polio with the aim of promoting their rights, welfare, and socio-economic empowerment.
Persons living with polio-related disabilities in Bombali District continue to face significant barriers, including limited access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social participation. These challenges are further compounded by stigma, discrimination, and poverty.
In response, PoPDA works to strengthen the capacity of its members through skills training, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives. The organization also collaborates with local authorities, civil society organizations, and development partners to promote inclusive policies and programs that address the needs of persons with disabilities.
PoPDA is committed to fostering self-reliance, improving livelihoods, and ensuring that persons affected by polio are fully included in community development processes.
Vision Statement
To create an inclusive society in Bombali District where persons affected by polio and other disabilities enjoy equal rights, dignity, and opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Mission Statement
To advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons affected by polio while promoting their socio-economic empowerment through capacity building, livelihood support, and community-based development initiatives in Bombali District.
Core Objectives
- To promote the rights and dignity of persons affected by polio
- To enhance access to education, healthcare, and social services
- To provide vocational skills training and livelihood opportunities
- To reduce stigma and discrimination through community awareness
- To strengthen partnerships for inclusive development
OUR TEAM MEMBERS AND PARTNERS
Matthew Tholley – Executive Director
Sheriff Kamara – CBR Coordinator (Health Focus)
Jonathan Bright-Lahai – Program Manager
The Executive Director provides overall leadership and strategic direction for PoPDA. He oversees program implementation, partnerships, and organizational growth while ensuring that the association’s mission of empowering persons affected by polio is effectively achieved. He also represents PoPDA at national and international levels, advocating for inclusion and disability rights.
Jonathan Bright-Lahai – Program Manager
Sheriff Kamara – CBR Coordinator (Health Focus)
Jonathan Bright-Lahai – Program Manager
The Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising all PoPDA programs. He ensures that projects are implemented efficiently, meet their objectives, and align with organizational goals. He works closely with stakeholders, partners, and field teams to deliver impactful services to beneficiaries.
Sheriff Kamara – CBR Coordinator (Health Focus)
Sheriff Kamara – CBR Coordinator (Health Focus)
Alimamy Bangura – CBR Coordinator (Social Work Focus)
The CBR (Community-Based Rehabilitation) Coordinator – Health Focus leads health-related interventions within the community. He supports access to healthcare services, rehabilitation, and awareness programs for persons affected by polio, ensuring improved health outcomes and well-being.
Alimamy Bangura – CBR Coordinator (Social Work Focus)
Joseph Leonard Tholley – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
Alimamy Bangura – CBR Coordinator (Social Work Focus)
The CBR Coordinator – Social Work Focus promotes social inclusion and community engagement for persons with disabilities. He works on advocacy, psychosocial support, and community mobilization to reduce stigma and improve participation in social and economic activities.
Marian Briject Davies – Finance Officer
Joseph Leonard Tholley – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
Joseph Leonard Tholley – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
The Finance Officer manages PoPDA’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. She ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial policies, supporting the effective use of resources for organizational activities.
Joseph Leonard Tholley – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
Joseph Leonard Tholley – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
Joseph Leonard Tholley – Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer
The M&E Officer is responsible for tracking program performance and measuring impact. He collects and analyzes data, prepares reports, and provides insights to improve program effectiveness and decision-making within the organization.
Kadiatu Abu Kamara – Administrative Assistant
Kadiatu Abu Kamara – Administrative Assistant
Kadiatu Abu Kamara – Administrative Assistant
The Administrative Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of PoPDA. She handles office coordination, documentation, communication, and logistics, ensuring smooth administrative functioning across all departments.
Ibrahim Conteh – Support Staff
Kadiatu Abu Kamara – Administrative Assistant
Kadiatu Abu Kamara – Administrative Assistant
The Support Staff provides essential assistance to ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of PoPDA. He supports program activities, logistics, and office tasks, contributing to the effective delivery of services and the overall functioning of the organization.
One Family People
Kadiatu Abu Kamara – Administrative Assistant
One Family People
We partner with a variety of organizations and businesses in our community to provide services to those in need.
Liliane Fonds
Liliane Fonds
One Family People
We partner with a variety of organizations and businesses in our community to provide services to those in need.
MIva
Liliane Fonds
MIva
We partner with a variety of organizations and businesses in our community to provide services to those in need.
COMMUNITY IMPACT PHOTO GALLERY
Awareness Session on the Rights and Privileges of Persons with Disabilities at SLMB School Makeni Shebora Chiefdom Bombali District
On 8th December 2025, the Youth Panel (YP), a group of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under PoPDA through the PIE Programme, supported by Liliane Fonds via One Family People, held an awareness‑raising session at the Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood Secondary School,
Education Support – Saint Joseph Secondary School for the Hearing Impaired
This picture speaks to the education support activity carried out on 16th December 2025. It shows the presentation of school materials to Saint Joseph Secondary School, Makeni, which serves students with hearing impairments.
The items donated included:
1. Four cartons of books
2. Three boxes of pens
3. Geometry sets
The
PoPDA Strengthens Partnerships through Dialogue and MoU Signing
PoPDA organization on the 17th April 2026 held a strategic meeting at the Women of Hope Centre, Makeni, bringing together ten local businesses and Vocational Skill Training Centers.
These photos were taken during the session and highlight the lively discussions and exchanges that took place before the signing of the Memorandum of Unde
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
Polio Persons Development Association (PoPDA)
Polio Camp Magbentah, Makeni, Sierra Leone
Hours
Open today | 08:00 am – 05:00 pm |
