Dear John,

Health Poverty Action has been working with communities in Sierra Leone since 2005. In a new article published on our website, our team in Sierra Leone tell us about their country, the challenges that people face and the ways we are contributing to improving lives. Below, we share a few highlights from that conversation.

In a world where charity fundraising appeals and sensationalist media reports often shape people’s views of Africa, Asia and Latin America, we feel it is important to present a more rounded view of the countries where we work.

Over the coming months, we will be asking our local teams to tell us more about their home countries.

As well-respected members of the communities we work with in Sierra Leone, our team was happy to provide some insight into the country, the communities and our work.

Mohamed, a Project Field Officer who coordinates our work in the north of the country, tells us:

“Sierra Leone is a small country in west Africa, with a predominantly youthful population of over seven million. The country is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, beautiful beaches and very friendly, accommodating and resilient people. 

Despite having suffered one of the worst civil wars in the world, people have been able to forgive and forget, with perpetrators and victims of atrocities living together.”

Prince, one of the drivers who helps us reach communities across the country, delves into Sierra Leone’s history:

“The country’s name is actually derived from the Portuguese ‘Serra Lyoa’, meaning ‘Lion Mountains’. This name was originally given to the area around Freetown, the capital city, where I grew up. British abolitionists founded a colony for free and formerly enslaved black people in 1787, which eventually became Freetown.

Daniel, who oversees our work in Karene District as a Project Field Officer continues:

“As a former British colony, English is the official language and Krio, a creole language incorporating elements of English, other European and African languages, is even more widely spoken. Many people also speak one or more of the languages belonging to the various ethnic groups in the country.”

Addressing the challenges facing the country, Daniel remarks:

“Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world, despite having some of the largest known deposits of minerals, including diamonds, gold, iron, bauxite and rutile.”

Finally, Brima, a Social Field Worker who works with remote communities to improve people’s health and livelihoods, speaks on the area where he grew up and now works:

“The north is one of the poorest regions in the country. The region is known for cattle-rearing and producing peanuts, sesame and pepper; some farmers also grow tobacco. 

Few cash crops are grown for export, with much of the agriculture consisting of subsistence farming.

Timber-logging is unfortunately causing widespread deforestation now. People have to use dirt roads and makeshift river crossings to reach many rural settlements.

We’ve been working with these communities for over sixteen years. We’ve done a lot, from equipping clinics, to training nurses, to advocating for women’s rights, but there is still great need.“

Alongside health workers, community leaders and activists, Health Poverty Action is helping people find ways to address critical issues such as mental health, maternal and child health, poor nutrition and the marginalisation of women. 

Over the coming weeks and months, we will be sharing more about the exciting work we are doing along with our local partners in Sierra Leone to help people build healthier, richer lives. 

You can read the full version of this article here.

Yours sincerely,

Siaffa Bunduka
Supporter Engagement Manager