WHO IS THIS SHIPMENT HELPING?
The civil war in Sierra Leone ended in 2002 but recovery has been slow, with much of the infrastructure destroyed. More recently, the Ebola epidemic which swept through West Africa in 2014 has brought a new set of problems, with families and livelihoods at risk. More than 80 percent of the population work in agriculture, yet basic necessities such as seeds for growing food continue to be expensive and difficult to source.
Our partner on this shipment is an NGO that offers assistance to those who have suffered in crises or conflicts. They believe that a multi-pronged approach is the best way to make progress and so they provide a health clinic, a school, a vocational training centre, an orphanage, an agricultural training programme and a food programme. Part of the food programme ensures that farmers have access to good quality seeds so that they can plant and harvest crops for themselves and their community.
This shipment will provide much-needed resources to equip and expand the capacity of their programmes, so they can reach out with help to more in their community.
ABRAHAM’S STORY
At 11 years of age, Abraham (right) and his brother lost both their parents to the Ebola virus. Because of the stigma and fear associated with the disease the two boys were shunned by their community and left to fend for themselves. Crossroads’ partners took the boys in and provided them with a home, three meals a day and places in school. Abraham explains that “this assistance has helped us greatly and is helping us to forget our past.”
This shipment will help support to children like Abraham and his brother with their immediate needs, and longer term needs like schooling and health.
ISHATU’S STORY
Ishatu lost her husband to the Ebola epidemic and became the sole breadwinner and carer to her five children. They struggled without money and had very little to eat. Crossroads’ partners stepped in and provided Ishatu with assistance that ensured her five children could go back to school. “When Ebola hit we lost everything, we lost our loved ones and our sense of community,” Ishatu says, “But now we are hopeful that things will return to normal as we try to recover and get on with our lives.”
This shipment will include goods to equip family programmes to help our partners continue to support people like Ishatu and her five children.
The Ebola crisis caused 1,259 deaths in Sierra Leone but aside from the human cost, the outbreak severely eroded the economy. Many people now rely on aid and support for basic necessities.
Two-thirds of Sierra Leone’s population rely on subsistence farming for their income accounting for 58% of GDP (see main image below).
WANT TO BE PART OF THESE LIFE CHANGING STORIES?
Sponsor a container: We need HK$ 50,000 to send any of our waiting shipments on their way. Email us for a list of projects needing funds: partnerships@crossroads.org.hk
Give goods: We can help your company or group find projects that need your quality superseded goods. Email partnerships@crossroads.org.hk
Volunteer: We need regular volunteers in a huge variety of roles across the work, from manual labor to administration and specific skilled roles. Email volunteer@crossroads.org.hk
