A Reason to Celebrate

by World Hope International | Dec 3, 2025 | Enable the Children, General, Sierra Leone

The first physiotherapists that have graduated in Sierra Leone mark ‘World Physiotherapy Day’ in style.

On Monday September 8th, 2025 Sierra Leone joined the rest of the world celebrating ‘World Physiotherapy Day’ — and it was nothing short of inspiring. Across nine locations, from Kenema to Bo, Kono to Freetown, physiotherapy departments brought hospitals, markets, and communities to life with conversations about this year’s theme: Healthy Ageing.

Just two years ago, Sierra Leone had no physiotherapists trained within the country. In 2023 and 2024, the first groups graduated, and now, during their internship year, they are stepping forward as leaders. For many people in Sierra Leone, this was their very first time meeting a physiotherapist and learning how movement, exercise, and simple care can change lives. These young professionals aren’t just practicing physiotherapy — they’re increasing awareness, advocating for better health, and showing the public that rehabilitation is for everyone.

Strengthening Services

Through Enable the Children (ETC), a program of World Hope International, access to and strengthening of rehabilitation services is a key aim. Celine Gunaratnam, on the ETC team, is the physiotherapy mentor that orchestrated the day together with the recently graduated physiotherapists.

It was a day filled with energy, music, and movement. In hospitals, the physiotherapy departments went from ward-to-ward meeting patients, families, and staff, sharing practical advice on staying active and independent as we get older. Some teams even took it a step further — heading into markets and public spaces to chat directly with the community, hand out flyers, and spread the word about the role of physiotherapy in keeping people healthy throughout their lives.

Beyond Healthcare Centres

And the impact didn’t stop there. While World Physiotherapy Day was being celebrated in hospitals and rehab centres, members of the ETC team were out in rural provinces, treating children with disabilities and sharing the importance of physiotherapy with caregivers and health staff who rarely have access to this kind of training.

Behind the scenes, Celine supported the planning, helping interns build confidence to take charge and engage their communities. At the heart of this success was partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Sierra Leone Physiotherapy Association (SLPA).

More than a Celebration

World Physiotherapy Day 2025 wasn’t just a celebration. It was a glimpse of what’s possible when a new generation of physiotherapists is empowered to lead — and a reminder that investing in rehabilitation means investing in Sierra Leone’s future. For World Hope International, this was more than an event. It was proof that when young professionals are empowered, they can inspire their communities and bring new hope to families across Sierra Leone.