Thumbnail: Samuel P.O.V. Macauley is Director of Operations/Programmes for the OneFamilyPeople organization, which works to promote the recognition of rights and the equalization of opportunities for those living with disabilities.

Profile: One of the most challenging issues in running a non-governmental organization in Sierra Leone comes with having to fight with policy makers and to expose the inefficiencies of government in the pursuit of maximizing the rights of people living with disabilities. Disability inclusion remains one of the least prioritized areas in social development, resulting in limited funding despite significant service gaps. Nonetheless, Samuel Macauley continues to push for those rights; he uses his personal finances to run the OneFamilyPeople organization. Subject to the current economic and financial outlook, running such an organization without any funding and external support is extremely difficult.

A recent example of OneFamilyPeople’s work: In February 2026, Macauley and his colleagues conducted a specialized training programme for youth panel leaders and partner organizations. The training focused on mental well-being, sexual and reproductive health and rights, sexual and gender-based violence, and lobbying and advocacy for disability inclusion. Macauley encouraged the building of youth leadership and institutional capacity to promote disability inclusion throughout Sierra Leone. He noted that in many ways the training was emblematic of what OneFamilyPeople has done over the years: assess challenges, gather data, and implement effective strategies to help the disabled. He emphasized the importance of youth to advocate, share information, and engage their communities: “Young people with and without disabilities must be empowered to speak up, demand their rights, and support one another.”

As a pastor, Macauley has faced opposition from fellow religious leaders who attribute disability to myths or spiritual causes. However, through robust sensitization, awareness-raising, and evidence-based advocacy, these incidents have significantly declined over time, and people living with disabilities have been treated better.

Macauley’s vision is to build a society where everyone is treated equally, where children with disabilities can live happily with their families and communities, and where people with disabilities can lead lives free from discrimination and oppression. He envisions a future where harmful stereotypes are dismantled and inclusion is addressed through intersectional and rights-based lens.

“My passion for inclusion drives me to believe that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered. . . . It is a commitment I will live to achieve despite the many setbacks.”