You can see images from this (finished) project at our blog, just
click right here
!
With a total sum of $400 - raised by the Safuge (Save the Future Generation of Sierra Leone and Liberia) group in the Human Rights Service at the Red Cross Nordic United World College in Norway - we set out on a mission; to influence the lives of a group of people, a group that we related to only because of our common humanity. Livingway Preparatory School, consisting of 55 pupils in the outskirts of Freetown, Sierra Leone gave us the honor to invest in the future by impacting on the lives of their kids. The school consists of children within the ages 3 and 10.
Late last year we created a link with Rev. Jean Rowe, the proprieties of the school and orphanage and worked with her to determine how we could help. Concerns that needed to be addressed included but not limited to furniture and education materials. As a group, we decided to help the school with stationery at the least.
It was also agreed upon by the group that it was cost effective to buy the stationery in Freetown rather than in Europe since we would have to pay for postage. The fundraising campaign was not easy in a school environment of about 300 people. We amassed funds from selling decorated cards and gifts, donations from the Peace One Day group in school and other staff and students.
On August 3rd, 2006, on behalf of the Safuge group and members of the RCNUWC community, I proudly donated the following materials to Livingway Preparatory School:
5 Blackboards made from plywood
5 sets of chairs and tables for the teachers
11 sets of chairs and tables for 22 kids
55 Notebooks (one per pupil)
80 pens
110 pencils
5 dusters
5 boxes of Chalk (500 pieces)
1 box of erasers and sharpeners
Evidence of the above donations is on a videocassette that can be requested from the group or the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Services TV. Furthermore, I made a local contact with the Ministry of Education to supply free textbooks to the school once this academic year begins. Follow up will be made to ensure that the school receives the textbooks needed for the learning of these kids.
In principle, $400 or NOK 2,400 may seem little. It probably is in so many parts of the world. We may also be passive about what effect our little efforts can have on changing other people's lives positively but one thing to learn is that nothing is ever too small and it only thing needed for development is action. A host of people became inspired by our work and thankfully began showing interest in helping others. As individuals or groups, we can continue to influence lives outside our little environs for as long as we want to.
I feel honored to have been part of this experience. My special appreciation to the Safuge group, Human Rights Service and Red Cross Nordic UWC. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Yushan for continuing to steer the group in Norway and hopefully, there will be a day when no one holds back their helping hand.
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