The African Library Project (ALP) has sent 117 school libraries to Sierra Leone, a country in west Africa. Volunteer book drive organizers in the US and Canada collected the books and money to ship them. Learn more about Sierra Leone and ALP's partners there. Learn how you can start a library too!
2. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone gained
independence from the
UK in 1961.
It is slowly improving
its economy since the
civil war that ended in
2001. The country is
rich in minerals,
especially diamonds.
3. Severe Ebola Outbreak in Sierra Leone in 2014-2015
SL had the highest number of sick people of any country. Schools were
closed and most students lost an entire year. The government provided
some education by radio. ALP’s second container of libraries arrived in fall
2014 and were unable to be delivered immediately as public gatherings
were not allowed (in order to minimize infection). Schools have now re-
opened and all the books have been delivered. Source: NY Times 1/25/15
7. The dogs of Freetown amid
trash on the streets; Creative
teachers use the trash as
reading resources in the
classroom
8. ALP Partners
Reading Initiative Salone (RISE) Network
The Learning Foundation
Society for Knowledge Management
Peace Corps SL
SL National Library Board
Village Link
PEN Sierra Leone
Brighter Life Ministries
9. RISE Network
Our partner in Sierra Leone, RISE Network, is a collaboration of small literacy organizations
10. The office of SKM, with internet, library and conference room where RISE
sometimes meets.
19. Martha Sesay, age 17, is about to receive a prize for her reading from
the library.
20. Will you do a book drive so more children
in Sierra Leone have access to books?
www.africanlibraryproject.org
Hinweis der Redaktion
SL gained independence from the UK in 1961. It is now a constitutional republic with directly elected president who gets good marks from all. About 6 million people. Among the poorest countries in the world, SL had a tremendous setback from a grizzly ten year Civil War from1991-2001, infamous for its blood diamonds, child soldiers and frequent lopping off of hands, arms and legs. Over 1300 schools were destroyed. UN Peacekeeping troops led by the British ended the war, disarming the rebels and Tony Blair is a hero to SL. SL is slowly improving its economy since the civil war – rich in minerals, especially diamonds.
Main Street of Freetown
Sports bar, sim card store, mobile bread store and used shoe vendor – typical Freetown merchants
Start up businesses usually start on their heads
The dogs of Freetown amid typical amounts of trash on the streets – Reading resources in an SL classroom
Our partner in Sierra Leone is RISE Network, a collaboration of a smaller literacy organizations.
SKM’s ( the Society of Knowledge Management) office in Freetown with internet, library and conference room where RISE sometimes meets.
Some pictures of schools.
On a trip upcountry, we were been welcomed by students at Charity High School, the proud owners of an ALP library.
In gratitude of her visit, Chris was presented with two live chickens.
Pictures of the school’s bathroom, courtyard, and Chris was standing in front of the new library under construction.
Every one was delighted with their new books. This classroom is being used as a temporary library.
Chris with her gifts flowers, water, and chicken with school’s staff.
Sengbeh Pieh Memorial Junior Secondary School had not yet opened their newly arrived boxes of books. We let the students open them who were quickly engrossed in reading instead of unpacking books.
Martha Sesay, age 17, a Services JSS student, is about to receive a prize for her reading from the library. She loves to read and can often be found in the library reading her favorite book, The Good Samaritan. Has the book made a difference in her life?
“Absolutely!”, said Martha, springing to life. “I used to do wicked things to my friends. I used to break their pens.”
With some prodding, the modest girl admitted that the book has inspired her to look for ways she can help others. She has begun sharing her lunch if someone doesn’t have one. If a student does not come to school and she knows where they live, she will go after school to share her notes and books with them. She knows an orphan and Martha takes her clothes.
Martha has read The Good Samaritan six times and is planning a career “helping poor people”. She is just another example of how books are life changing and can help Sierra Leoneans reach their full potential.
ALP is recruiting book drive organizers to collect 1000 books and about $500 to start a library in Sierra Leone. www.africanlibraryproject.org