Sierra Leone: Project
Waterloo Hospital
Waterloo hospital, about 15 miles from Freetown, is a self-supported nonprofit nongovernmental organization providing the poor with medical and surgical assistance. The hospital opened in 2000 after the civil war, during which rebels destroyed the existing hospital. It serves an area of 250,000 people with no other medical facilities. Patients pay according to ability. Many are treated freely.
Dr Elmer Ribeyro, from Peru, treated 6,500 outpatients, undertook 10,000-laboratory tests and performed 1,400 surgeries in 2004 alone-all this against impossible odds…no running water, sewage treatment or adequate accommodation for the patients.
In 2004, ministries partnered with the hospital to fund a well to provide clean running water, install a septic tank for sewage and build an extension to the ward. Fifty local tradesmen were employed in the construction, which meant an income and support for local families as well.
Currently the hospital is unable to meet the pressing need of the population, and many are turned away or have long waits for urgent treatment. To meet this need, hospital staff look to extend the accommodations with a second storey to the ward, and a new outpatient building as well as continuing the improvement of clean water, sanitation and electricity to the existing facilities. A security wall is also needed to the compound. Sharing International is proud to be a partner with the hospital in helping them to meet these basic needs of the community.
The Polio Women and Girls Development Association
Project Description Handout: Click here
In 2004 a partnership was formed with the ladies to help them develop and improve their facilities. A kitchen was constructed, a workshop was equipped with sewing machines to enable them to make clothes to wear and to sell. Improvements to drainage and sanitary conveniences have promoted good health and hygiene.
The current project is to provide accommodation for up to 50 women and children which is permanent, sound and clean, with clean water, sanitation and electricity.
The ladies are indomitable, their spirit is irrepressible and they are doing a great work among the women and girls suffering from this terrible disease. In addition to providing employment, and income and food they provide hope and dignity.
Sharing International is proud to be a partner in helping them to help one another meet these basic needs.
Christian Hope School
Christian Hope School sits at the top of a steep hill on the East Side of Freetown. Led by Pastor Joseph, eight staff teach 360 children in a few tiny rooms.
Pastor Joseph is passionate about the school. He, along with a committee of village elders, founded the school in 2004. It makes a huge impact on the lives of local children, many from Muslim backgrounds who are now learning the Christian faith.
The school teachers would like to have instruments for a band. Team members are tremendously moved by singing and acting and other performances put on by the kids. Sharing Ministries would also like to help them acquire better accommodation. Currently when you enter a tiny room with 60 children it is hard to see how work can get done - yet it does with remarkable discipline and care for visitors. You could be a part of touching this future generation in war-torn Sierra Leone.
King George VI Coronation Home
Stories: Arms or Legs - Well of Life
King George VI Coronation home for the elderly opened in 1937, under the British administration of Sierra Leone to provide a home for the elderly. England’s late Queen Mother donated £500 annually in memory of her late husband King George VI, hence the name.
After independence the government provided little financial support for the home and the facilities became very run down. In 1988 the government handed over the home to the Sierra Leone Society for the Welfare of the Aged, a nongovernmental organization. They agreed to keep the existing paid staff, but when they leave there are no funds to replace them.
When the civil war ravaged the country, there was little external help, and nationals were fighting for their own lives and property. During the war some rebels stayed at the home. The social fabric of the country was torn apart and there was no employment or income. The home fell into further disrepair, with bullet holes in the walls and roof to add to it.
There are over 50 residents, 12 blind, 1 deaf and blind, 7 bedridden and 2 amputees. The buildings were dirty and undecorated for many years. The residents had nowhere else to go, but they were living, or waiting to die, in squalor. Recently short term teams began to help.
Mrs Koker, the home matron said "The residents and I are just so grateful that not only you came but you loved our people and gave them hope. May God bless you"
The health and welfare of the residents was significantly improved as was their dignity and moral as they watched and saw the volunteers giving freely of their time, energy and money to provide for them, talk to them, worship with them and become their friends.
There is much still to do. During heavy rains, the kitchen roof blew off and needs replacing. There is a continued challenge to fund the basics for the residents. Sharing Ministries is delighted to be a partner with King George VI Memorial Home as they continue to improve the lives of the destitute elderly people in their care.