Sierra Leone - Food Supplies for the Blind

Network e-Bulletin, April 2020, No. 5

Message from Mambu Alpha Sannoh

2018 Graduate

Friends of the Earth

https://gyazo.com/bde4b615cce76352848068591f353792

Sannoh (right) handing out food items

The issue of the Coronavirus is global. We have got six cases in Sierra Leone, but we are taking preventive measure to stop the virus from spreading. Our members are engaged in sensitization at the community level to prevent the virus, and we are in sympathy with families that have their love ones abroad.

As Sierra Leone is in lockdown, we must remember there are widows who don’t have a husband to lean on. There are orphans who don’t have parents to care for them. There are disabled people who literally live on the streets - begging. There are other people who, even in the best of times, struggle to feed themselves. There are the homeless who have no home to lock down in.

Please remember them. Spare a cup of rice, some ingredients, some thoughts and advice, some prayer - just a touch or show of kindness. what you give is what you keep. This too shall pass!

Remember to wash your hands clean and keep your distance. Please watch over friends and family. Please protect them and keep them safe. Please, my colleagues, ARI graduates, take these preventive measures to stop the Coronavirus. I am praying for the ARI community.

A. APC = Avoid People Compound

B. APG = Avoid Public Gathering

C. AHS = Avoid Hand Shaking

D. DEV = Don't Encourage Visitors

E. ATOC = Avoid Traveling to Other Country

Friends of the Earth food distribution to a blind community

Donations to a community for the blind

On Monday, 30 March, Friends of the Earth Sierra Leone supplied food items to about 40 people, including the elderly, adults, and children, in a blind community. The distribution took place at a school for the blind in Kenema. The acting director explained how Friends of the Earth is community based, and this is the second phase since inception to extend such donations to those marginalized by society. Sannoh added that his organization decided to focus its attention on these people out of passion, with a genuine interest to improve their lives. One of the children, named Hawa Koroma, went further to say that people with any kind of disabilities have the right to special care, education, and support, so that they can lead full and independent lives. The community needs to treat disabled children, especially, with dignity and provide them with the care they require.