Portloko, Sierra Leone – December 10, 2025

The DAQVAH Charity Foundation commenced its three-day Annual Retreat at Lawrence Guest House, Portloko, with staff and volunteers departing Freetown at 6:00 a.m. and arriving at 9:00 a.m. Rooms were allocated before participants shared breakfast together, setting a warm and communal tone for the retreat.

The CEO & other team members went to Mabain, to engage teachers of the DAQVAH Islamic Academy as parents have raised concerns to start a Senior Secondary School after their children scored excellent results in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Teachers were asked about their preparedness to start a Senior Secondary School and strategies were developed. The team then returned succefully to the Retreat venue.

The official opening began with a heartfelt prayer led by Mustapha Sesay, Coordinator of Reach the Unreachable Unit. This was followed by a welcome address from the Executive Finance Director, Mariam Sedik Kamara who emphasized unity and purpose. Staff introductions were conducted in a unique style, with each member highlighted by a defining quality and preferred form of address. Expectations for the retreat were shared, and the CEO, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Jakob reflected on the 2025 Annual Retreat held in Makeni’s Mena Hills Hotel last December before presenting an overview of this year’s program.

Key Sessions of Day One: The day unfolded with five impactful sessions:

_Session One: Aspirations_

Staff updated on aspirations for the 2025 fiscal year, both individually and collectively, envisioning DAQVAH’s growth. The CEO concluded with an overview of the 2026 retreat, reminding participants of DAQVAH’s holding its first retreat in Portloko a decade ago and the sincerity that has fueled its success under Allah’s guidance.

_Session Two: Unit Reflections_

Unit heads presented reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations from the 2025 fiscal year, sparking constructive dialogue on the way forward.

_Closing_

Day One concluded successfully with dinner, after which staff and volunteers retired for rest, re-energized for the days ahead.

The retreat continues to serve as a platform for reflection, planning, and strengthening the bonds that drive DAQVAH’s mission of service and transformation.

Today marks Day 2 of our Retreat. Stay Tuned!

DAQVAH Communication Unit