Introduction
In early 2025, I embarked on a transformative journey to Sierra Leone with two of my colleagues. Our mission was clear: to support the incredible work of CODE, in collaboration with our local partner, TALLE, and the Sierra Leone Education Ministry. Our goal was to encourage literacy among children by providing books written by local authors and assisting in training teachers. Additionally, we aimed to support young women by offering scholarships to help them become teachers.
Departure from Ottawa
On a snowy day in February, we found ourselves at the Ottawa airport, each holding a large suitcase filled with books for the children of Sierra Leone. As one of the poorest countries in Africa and the world, Sierra Leone’s need for educational resources is immense. Our limit for the suitcases was 50 lbs each, and as we placed each suitcase on the scale, it became evident that we were exceeding our allocation. Determined to maximize the number of books we could bring, we began redistributing the load.
However, it soon became clear that we would have to leave some books behind. With a growing line of people waiting to check in, we piled books on top of the check-in agent’s desk, a lump forming in my stomach at the thought of leaving any behind. As sometimes happens in life, an unexpected hero appeared. Another agent, noticing the commotion, asked what was going on. He picked up a book and started leafing through it. Upon hearing about our mission, he turned to us and the agent serving us and said, “Let them pack up the books in the suitcase and ignore the limits. These are books for kids, and kids need to be able to read and write.” With this blessing, our journey to Sierra Leone began.
Arrival in Freetown
Upon arriving in Freetown, Sierra Leone, we were warmly welcomed by the local CODE staff. Their hospitality set the tone for our visit, making us feel instantly at home. Our schedule was packed with visits to schools, meetings with local partners, and interactions with the community.
School Visits
Two schools in particular left a lasting impact on me. The first was the War Wounded School, a school dedicated to children whose relatives were wounded during the country’s civil war. The resilience and determination of these children were truly inspiring. Despite their challenging circumstances, they were eager to learn and grow. The books we brought were met with smiles and excitement, a reminder of the power of education and its ability to bring hope. It was clear that the books were well-loved as they were well worn. I made note that we would need to think about an evergreen program for the books so future classes would have the ability to enjoy the books as well. Teachers bring their pre-school children to the school and a memorable picture is of two little boys resting in a book box. I stopped to chat with a young girl who was at school to learn but also was looking after her disabled brother at the same time.
When we entered a class, the children stood up and welcomed us with a song. It was here that I was able to interact with the children; I would read a line of a story then they would read the next line or I would read a page of a story and then I would ask them questions to see if they understood what I had read.
The second school we visited was equally remarkable. The enthusiasm of the students and the dedication of the teachers were palpable. Here, we saw firsthand the impact of the teacher training programs supported by CODE and TALLE. The teachers expressed their gratitude for the training they had received, which had equipped them with new skills and methodologies to better engage their students.
The teachers showed us the radios that they had used to teach children at home during COVID.
The last school we visited was also co-located with an orphanage supported by the Deputy Minister of Education. There are many children in a classroom, and walls between classrooms are almost non-existent; nevertheless, the teachers and children were clearly engaged in learning.
Empowering Young Women
One of the highlights of our trip was meeting a young woman who had received a scholarship to become a teacher. She knocked on the window of our vehicle and wanted to thank CODE and donors for making her dreams become a reality. She told us that she had many friends who also wanted to become teachers and was wondering if they could also obtain scholarships. Their stories were both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It is clear that these scholarships were not just financial support; they were lifelines that enabled young women to achieve their dreams and, in turn, inspire the next generation of learners.
Impact of Local Authors
A key component of our mission was to provide books written by local authors. These books are essential because they offer children stories they can relate to, reflecting their own experiences and culture. Their works are more than just stories; they are tools for empowerment, fostering a love for reading and learning among children.
Conclusion
Our trip to Sierra Leone was a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of education. The work being done by CODE, TALLE, and the Sierra Leone Education Ministry is making a tangible difference in the lives of children and teachers. It was a privilege to witness this firsthand and to contribute to such a meaningful cause.
As we boarded our flight back to Ottawa, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey. The challenges we faced at the airport seemed insignificant compared to the smiles of the children and the gratitude of the teachers. This trip reinforced my belief in the importance of literacy and the transformative power of education. I am deeply grateful to our donors for their unwavering support, without which none of this would have been possible. Together, we are helping to build a brighter future for the children of Sierra Leone.