I would like you to look at the video at the end of this post because it sets out so clearly some of the problems that our partners in Sierra Leone are facing. Lack of employment opportunities is one. On our last visit in March we trained a committee to run a micro-enterprise scheme that will enable the poorest of the poor to set-up a business. I promised them £1000 to start. This is likely to enable 5 or 6 families to begin a move out of poverty. The money needed to be prayed for. I am grateful to God that he has provided more than this sum through the generosity and care of his people. Now the scheme can begin.
Albert Lebbie is writing the constitution for the group. As the Administrator he plays a key role in the smooth operation of the project. At his baptism he was given the name Barnabas (Son of Encouragement). He will have plenty of opportunity to encourage those seeking to start their own business as well as training and motivating both them and the committee.
Health and the importance of clean water are also high-lighted in the video. Our trainers and the voluntary health workers in Kissy and Wellington have been looking hard at this. One group went to see the local
facilities in Wellington. (shown below) We have also sent out 8 water filter kits.
A number of years ago I was privileged to host Morie Ngobeh in our home. He gave a talk on Sierra Leone to my International Development class at Derby University where I was a student. A former businessman, he became a pastor and founded the City of Rest, a residential home for those seeking to escape drug and alcohol addiction and other mental health problems, almost 25 years ago. It is now needed more than ever because since the war drug abuse is rife. We visited the home where he and his wife Grace also live. Dr. Edward Nahim, Sierra Leone's only psychiatrist and now retired, gave some input to the work. Our psychiatrist on the team, Richard Welfare, talked to Morie and Grace and looked round the facilities with us.
The entrance
Grace and Morie. They began by inviting addicts into their home and stayed put during the rebel invasion of 1999, when the house opposite was burnt to the ground.
Single sex domitory accomodation for the residents.
Together with our partners in the New Era Evangelism and Development Programme we hope to look at initiatives to help the youth of the country. We already have schools serving nearly 700 pupils, but what happens to them when they leave? What motivation do they have as pupils? As young people in the video state, "No one in the government represents the voice of youth". Can we be doing something?
Hopefully YES!
