Child Reintegration Centre case managers traveled to Manguama village to distribute food to families made more vulnerable by the economic slowdown affecting the whole country.  Manguama is one of the villages served by Mercy Hospital's medical outreach teams, and home to ten CRC students. These families, who are among the most marginal in a predominantly poor population, have been struggling severely, as markets were closed and movement restricted to prevent the spread of COVID.   

The restrictions put in place by the Sierra Leone government to limit the spread of COVID further depressed the already sluggish economy, and have imperiled families in extreme poverty.  The price of food has inflated by as much as 16% by some reports, and the percent of people with insufficient food has increased to more than 50%.  Sierra Leone already had a very high rate of child malnutrition, which has increased to nearly 30% for children under five. There are no government provided income support measures in place, and no debt relief.

COVID-19 is also an added burden on Sierra Leone’s fragile health system, which is still recovering from the 11-year civil war that ended in 2002 and the Ebola outbreak that killed nearly 4,000 people between 2014 and 2016.

As of September, most government-imposed restrictions have been lifted, although gatherings of more than 100 people are still banned.  Sierra Leone has reported more than 2,000 COVID cases, with 72 deaths.  (COVID Tracker: https://www.bing.com/covid/local/sierraleone)

Restrictions: As of September 11: 
-There are no workplace measures. 
-There are no stay-at-home requirements. 
-There are no restrictions on internal movement. 
-There are restrictions on gatherings of more than 100 people. 
-Screening is in place.

Social Measures: 
-The government does not provide income support. 
-There is no debt or contract relief in place.

After several months hiatus while the Child Reintegration Centre observed COVID protocols, the Sponsor A Child team has resumed holding letter events for the students.  

"In the month of August, we had letter events on various days," SAC Coordinator Henry Kebbie writes.  "We were able to gather a lot of letters and photos.  In all the events, we gave out snacks and transportation refunds in order to encourage the students to come back for the next event.  The students are always happy to come to the office for letter and photo events because when they come they will meet old friends and make new ones.  Above all they are happy to write back whenever they receive letters from their sponsors."  

If you haven't received a letter from your student in awhile, don't be discouraged as the case managers are maintaining contact with their charges.  We hope to send you a letter and photo update soon!  If you have the chance, please take a moment to write to your sponsored student and let them know you are thinking of them.  Letter writing information is available on our website here, or email [email protected] for information. 

Sierra Leone has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the world.  Teenage pregnancy reduces a girl’s chances in life, often interfering with schooling, limiting opportunities, and placing girls at increased risk of child marriage, HIV infections and domestic violence.   According to the World Health Organization, teenage pregnancy is also a leading cause of death for mothers in Sierra Leone.

The CRC is intentional about helping students learn the moral importance and personal benefit of delaying sexual activity until after marriage.  The "Honoring God With Your Body" curriculum is designed to help teenagers realize the spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical implications of sex before marriage.  A recent HGWYB workshop  facilitated by case managers Emmanuel Lamin and Abie Mattia addressed teenage pregnancy, rape prevention, and substance abuse.  CRC Director Olivia Fonnie also gave a motivational talk to the students. 

“I am very grateful to the staff at CRC for this great information they are impacting on us. It is a great opportunity to understand how to honor the body. We promised to cooperate well with our body, and also to pass on what we have learnt to others who don’t have the chance to attend, ’’ CRC student Esther shared.

“I have to pay more attention to my education rather than things of this world," CRC student Yankuba said about the training.  "According to  Uncle Emmanuel, there is a time for sex and a time for education and a time for marriage." 

​Forty students attended the workshop, some accompanied by their parents.