Sierra Leone Sierra Leone is a former British colony situated in West Africa. Although rich in mineral deposits, it is the lowest ranked country on the global Human Development Index and seventh lowest on the Human Poverty Index. About two-thirds of the population engage in subsistence agriculture which accounts for over 50% of national income.
Sierra Leone is slowly recovering from a brutal and decade-long civil war that displaced one-third of its population, caused tens of thousands of deaths, and destroyed much of the country’s formal economy.before its end in 2001.
Today, nearly 75 percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day, and almost half of the population is estimated to be chronically undernourished. High unemployment, particularly among youth and ex-combatants, is another legacy of conflict. Nevertheless, there are encouraging indicators of economic recovery, including a dramatic increase in formal exports over the past few years.
Sierra Leone has relied on mining, especially diamonds, for much its economic basis. An illicit trade in so-called “blood diamonds” during the civil war helped to fund and fuel that conflict, while destabilizing neighboring countries. In recent years, however, there has been a dramatic decrease in the illegal diamond trade.
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| | Ending traditional practices that are harmful to girls More than 90 percent of girls in Sierra Leone undergo a harmful traditional practice known as female genital mutilation (FGM). The cutting of a girl’s genitalia is considered a necessary preparation for her marriage and motherhood. Conversely, girls who do not undergo the procedure as seen as unclean and unfit for marriage.
The practice of FGM can lead to serious immediate and longer-term physical and psychological problems for girls and women, particularly during childbirth. Coupled with another widespread traditional practice of “early marriage”, FGM pose serious risks to the health and development of girls. Many lack the opportunity to go to school -- staying at home instead to look after younger children, perform chores, or work in fields.
World Vision is working to end harmful traditional practices while honouring cultural traditions, World Vision is promoting Kids Clubs, where girls and boys can raise their own issues and find a voice for the things affecting them and their future. |
World Vision in Sierra Leone World Vision began working in Sierra Leone in 1996, during a lull in the conflict. Since then, World Vision has helped more than 165,000 displaced families to resettle. About 15,000 families have also been supported to recover their farmlands and improve crop production.
By 2003, World Vision had established longer-term community-based development projects. World Vision is currently assisting some 250,000 people through 17 large-scale long-term Area Development Programmes, as well as targeted special projects. Specific activities include:
• improving community access to clean water and sanitation by constructing new wells, rehabilitating old wells and training local people to manage and maintain the water supply.
• building health clinics, particularly in areas where pregnant women and mothers have long distances to walk to the nearest health centre.
• helping men and women develop business plans and receive loans to start small businesses.
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