Some years ago, I was an election monitor in a West African nation just emerging from a devastating civil war. President Carter, then a hyper-active 82, was leading the team of international observers. He asked me to spend several days interviewing war lords about the peace process and the election campaign. I protested that I wasn’t qualified, but sure enough, I was soon on my way to a rural area eight hours’ drive from the capital.
In the event, chatting to burly men with AK47s and aviator sunglasses was far less dangerous than getting around the region. Waves of rain would suddenly sweep through the dense tropical forest with a roaring sound, washing the red dirt road away within five seconds (I timed it). Vehicles slid into ditches and pedestrians risked their safety trying to navigate the ridges, potholes and mud.
Challenging Roads & Remote Villages
Sierra Leone has a similar climate and equally treacherous roads. It has also endured civil war, Ebola and now Covid, as well as grinding poverty. Network for Africa’s local partners are based in the regional city of Port Loko. They visit their mental health support groups across a large rural area where the roads are challenging even in the dry season.
In the rainy months, our partners wear head-to-toe waterproofs. The only practical and economic means of transport is by motorbike.
An Appeal For Your Support
Our team currently has five motorbikes, and we would like to provide a sixth one, enabling our counsellors to make better use of their time, reaching a greater number of people in far-flung communities. They are delivering what is known as livelihood support, helping families lift themselves out of poverty. Can you help us raise $1,500 or £1,100 for a much-needed motorbike for our project in Sierra Leone? If you can, please click below to donate to this fundraising initiative.
Thank you.
A MOTORBIKE IS KEY TO THE TEAM – COUNT ME IN!