Where to go for a day out?

On our last full day we like to take members of the host team out for some relaxation and a meal. They deserve it. They have worked really hard looking after us. Where to go is still to be finalised, but at a suitable distance from the bustle of Freetown is a venue that Samuel has suggested for us - Bureh Beach. From research I have done it looks just the ticket.

Bureh Beach - it goes as far as the eye can see!

Katrina Manson, writing in The Independent of 28 June, 2008, gives a glowing report of the food. "The catch of the day is fresh from the Atlantic that you gaze over from Bureh Beach. It could be barracuda, bonita or whatever the fisherman brings in on his precarious waist-width canoe dug out of a tree trunk."

"The outfit is run by the local development association – headed by the improbably named Prince Williams, quite as regal and charming as his name suggests – to share proceeds with the local village."

In 2008 a plate of fish was 25,000 leones (£4.20), a dozen oysters 40,000 leones (£6.70) and lobster priced by size, but unlikely to be more than 60,000 leones (£10).  If we get there, whatever the price is today, I bet that Sam will go for the lobster!!!

Last year, he loved it!



Our visit is taking Shape

Last minute preparations are going ahead for our visit to Freetown on 13th March. Transport to Heathrow - booked. Visas are still to be obtained. Hotel in Kissy booked for 7 nights as we are not staying the first night near the airport as last time. Harmony Hotel is full until the end of April.  They deserve their success. It was a great place to stay. So we look forward to the Hotel 5/10 as a base for the week.

Hotel 5/10 with its statue of two children, the hope for the future. This three Star Hotel is so named in recognition of the widely celebrated World Teachers Day (5 October) and is owned by the Sierra Leone Teachers Union.

We are continuing the training with last year's healthcare team and we were expecting some problems.  The latest report tells us that putting what was learned into practice has been a serious challenge. Not everyone has been co-operating, we are told, because there was no financial motivation and some had other personal engagements.     In the main they had a mind-set that personal gain should follow their efforts.  However financial rewards for the trainers was never our aim. Better health for the community was the goal. With better health comes a better chance to work and earn money, so there is a potential financial reward for everyone at the end.    Those who have sought to take the teaching forward will form the core group with some new people coming in.

  The school will be meeting when we are there and therefore the training has been moved to Faith Baptist Church in Wellington.  I hope there will be enough rooms for small group work, which can get noisy!

Faith Baptist Church in Wellington. It has the main hall and an office that can be used. Some groups may also be able to sit outside in the shade.

Water Filters on the way

Seven water filters are currently surrounded by more water than they can ever clean. They are on board the "Grande Argentina" due to dock in Freetown on the 26th February.

As no specialist knowledge is required to set up or use the filters we hope to see them in operation when we arrive.

They are compatible with most locally available plastic containers. Untreated water can be poured in at the top and clean drinking water comes out of the tap. The children in the school are more likely to drink safe and good tasting water in greater quantities which will prevent sickness and dehydration.