Sierra Leone is a small state on the west coast of Africa.  It is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, gold and titanium and despite gross mismanagement, experienced some prosperity until 1991.  The subsequent descent into anarchy and civil war caused the economic, educational and social infrastructure to collapse and Sierra Leone is now one of the poorest countries in the world.   In Sierra Leone, World In Need’s partner is Adullam Missions Evangelistic Network (A.M.E.N), a Christian organization founded in August 2001 and registered as a charity with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Children and Gender Affairs. They are committed to working in the following areas:   Educational Facilities: - Schools, Vocational Training/Adult Literacy Health Care facilities, HIV/AIDS Counselling and Trauma Healing Agriculture and Animal husbandry Relief and Development e.g. Water Wells and Water 4 Life Project   The literacy rate of the total population is 31.40%.  In many communities where the Mission works, 82% of girls and 55% of boys have no access to education.    To tackle this problem, 3 schools have been started and another three are planned in order that the next generation of future leaders, boys and girls, have access to affordable but quality education.  However, a further problem is the lack of qualified teachers.  Currently over 30 children are receiving on-going support through WIN’s child sponsorship scheme.   Sierra Leone has about 75,000 people living with HIV/AIDS countrywide and there is widespread ignorance about this disease and how it can be avoided. There are limited medical facilities in most areas and even those available are not at times affordable and hygienic.  There is an urgent need for locally trained counsellors who can spread the education message to local communities.

Abubakar Bangura WIN/SL/CH/043   9 year old Abubakar lives with his mother.  His father died when he was three years old during his mother’s second pregnancy.  His mother was a casual worker at a local store until recently when the store closed down.  Abubakar is very interested in Information Technology and is also good at communicating with people.  He desperately needs sponsorship in order for him to continue his education.	Abibatu Kamara WIN/SL/CH/016   Abibatu lives with her mother who is a single parent.  Her father went missing during the war and his whereabouts are unknown.  She is attending school, which she loves, but in order for her to continue her education she desperately needs sponsorship as her mother is unable to afford the school fees.	Dankay Bangura WIN/SL/CH/020   Dankay lives with her mother and helps her with the daily chores.  Her mother gets whatever casual work she can to earn a little income to support them both.  Dankay is 8 years old and is in class two at her school. She is smart, helpful and clever and really wants the opportunity to continue her education.  Your sponsorship will help her to remain in school and make such a difference to her future.
Fanta WIN/SL/CH/040   8 year old Fanta lives with her Mother.  She lost her Father during the rebel war.  Her mother sells foodstuff in the mining areas and it is hard for her to feed her children and pay school fees.  Fanta is clever and hardworking and would love to go to school.  Sponsorship would enable her to attend school.	Michealla Sesay WIN/SL/CH/052   Michealla is 7 years old.  Her mother died two weeks after her birth.  Her father is out of work at present due to illness and is having treatment away from the family.  Michealla is living with her grandfather who is a petty trader and as Michealla is a good communicator he is trying to involve her in his trading.  This means that she is unable to attend school regularly.  She would love to continue her education.  Sponsorship would help her achieve her dream.	Nyakeh Sheriff WIN/SL/CH/053   8 year old Nyakeh, lives in the slum area of Freetown with his mother and two siblings.  His mother is a gardener and all the children have to help with the work and with selling the goods in the market.  Nyakeh’s  progress at school is slowly deteriorating, because his mother is unable to afford school fees or the school uniform.  Nyakeh is a talented boy, who is very good at writing and acting in plays.  Sponsorship would enable Nyakeh to continue his education and develop his skills.