Sierra Leone Overview

Sierra Leone is a country that needs help healing from tragedy and building a better future for children and their families.

The 11-year conflict that ended in 2002 destroyed schools and stopped kids from getting an education. More than 10,000 children were forced to fight as soldiers. The war was fought over control of the country's diamond mines, but most people have never even seen a diamond.

Our work in Sierra Leone takes place mostly in the Kono district, where huge diamond mines can be found in the middle of dense, steamy jungles. This area was the centre of the diamond industry, so it was hit hardest by the conflict.

Adopt a Village in Sierra Leone supports people as they rebuild. New schools empower kids to create a better future for their country. Clean water and sanitation projects improve health and reduce the number of chores assigned to girls so they can go to these schools. Alternative income projects provide cows, goats and other sources of income so parents can send their kids to class.

Through our education programs, we are helping children affected by war rebuild their lives and their communities, so they can be major contributors to keeping a lasting peace.

Quick Facts: Sierra Leone

• Girls in Sierra Leone have all kinds of special ways to braid their hair, which they change often. Groups of friends will take turns braiding each others' hair until everyone has a new look.
• Fufu is the main food eaten by people in Sierra Leone . It's a starchy paste made by boiling root vegetables like the casava plant.
• Krio is a language spoken by many people in Sierra Leone . It's a combination of English and local West African languages.