By Amin Kef (Ranger)
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Karpowership has officially handed over the newly renovated Variety Children and Family Services Home in Kingtom, Freetown. The ceremony took place on Friday, 10th October 2025, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing community development efforts in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the event, Emre Durmusoglu, Karpowership’s Commercial Operations Director, disclosed that the company invested approximately $70,000 in the renovation, which included the complete renewal of the building’s structure and facilities. He explained that every component of the orphanage, furniture, equipment and utilities, had been replaced to provide a more conducive environment for the children.
Emre Durmusoglu noted that Karpowership would continue to cover the monthly consumables of the Home through its local partner, reaffirming the company’s commitment to long-term social investment. He added that Karpowership has supported similar humanitarian projects across Africa and plans to expand its CSR footprint further. He emphasized that since beginning operations in Sierra Leone in 2018, the company has been proud to supply reliable and affordable electricity to the nation while contributing to social welfare.
Nour Hashim, Karpowership Representative, said the initiative reflects the company’s belief that true progress goes beyond providing electricity to empowering communities. He emphasized that investing in the welfare of children is an investment in the nation’s future, and Karpowership remains committed to initiatives that improve lives and strengthen hope across Sierra Leone.
Yankay Sawaneh, Karpowership’s Project Manager in Sierra Leone, highlighted that the renovation of Variety Children and Family Services aligns with the company’s “One World” vision, a philosophy of creating meaningful change in communities where the company operates. He said the refurbishment will bring new life to the orphanage and improve the living standards of the children.
The Project Manager disclosed that Karpowership’s support extends beyond infrastructure, as the company has pledged to pay school fees, supply monthly food items and sanitary materials and ensure continuous care for the children. He cited previous community engagements, including donations during the COVID-19 pandemic and annual Ramadan giveaways, as evidence of the company’s sustained dedication to social impact.
Yankay Sawaneh reiterated that Karpowership values giving back to communities as much as it values delivering power, adding that seeing the smiles of the children in their renewed home reflected the company’s purpose-driven mission.
Francis Lahai, Director of Variety Children and Family Services, commended Karpowership for its intervention, describing the renovation as timely and transformative. He explained that managing the orphanage has been financially demanding, with feeding and electricity among their major expenses. Francis Lahai disclosed that the home currently supervises over 675 children and works with more than 300 foster parents across Sierra Leone and neighboring countries, including Guinea and Liberia.
He also revealed that some of the children are now in universities, citing an Ebola orphan in her final year studying Accounting and Finance as an example of their success. However, Francis Lahai noted that space remains a major constraint and appealed for continued partnership to develop a 3.6-acre “Kids’ Village” at Kerry Town, which he said would serve as a lasting legacy for vulnerable children.
In his remarks, Burak Rende, the Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, commended Karpowership for its commitment to social development, noting that the company’s CSR efforts go beyond business operations to touch the lives of Sierra Leoneans. He said the Turkish Embassy will continue to support such initiatives, particularly those undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of Energy.
Ambassador Burak Rende underscored the importance of investing in children, describing them as the future leaders of Sierra Leone’s social, economic and political spheres. He praised all stakeholders involved for their dedication to creating a better environment for vulnerable children.
The renovation of Variety Children and Family Services adds to Karpowership’s expanding portfolio of community support initiatives across Africa, reinforcing the company’s belief that sustainable development is achieved through both energy and empathy.
