Home Initiative makes a difference in Sierra Leone

Anthony Kamara, Jnr.

Operating exclusively as a registered non-profit organization in the United States, Home Initiative was founded by Sierra Leoneans in an effort to support the delivery of basic and decent health care through the provision of resources to promote good health and education to a nation whose health facilities are under resourced, very limited and often non-existent.

As citizens and friends of Sierra Leone gathered in Washington DC during the official launching of the organization, attendees were delighted to know that in addition to the many items that have been donated to Connaught and PCMH – Cottage hospitals, the organization also provides scholarships to students at the tertiary level. This was also an opportunity to show case their accomplishments as they make a difference in the lives of people who are most in need.

One of the aims of Home initiative is to develop and preserve the human resources that presently exist in the healthcare sector. As the cost of private care is beyond the reach of many people, forcing them to resort to alternative and potentially dangerous and untested traditional medicines, Home Initiative seeks to raise funds to refurbish hospitals and provide drugs and supplies to meet the needs of the population especially to three government hospitals.

Benefiting from this humanitarian gesture are Connaught Hospital, Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), and the Dr. Ola During Children’s Hospital. The organization also hopes to coordinate and support volunteer opportunities of qualified health care professionals from abroad that will help to improve child and maternal health and provide hospital supplies including linens among many other items.

In the education sector, Home Initiative will continue to provide merit-based scholarships for students at the tertiary education level. With Sierra Leone’s educational standards continuing to fall with limited infrastructure and overcrowding of schools and lack of basic materials to offer a conducive atmosphere for students and teachers, Home Initiative calls on all people of good will to donate generously and support the organization’s efforts in making a difference.

Committed to helping their brothers and sisters by using their expertise, leadership skills, financial resources and contacts, the members of the board include Gloria Betts –president, Umaru Kebbay - vice president and Elizabeth Toure - vice president. Ibrahim Koroma is treasurer, Kara Speights Dunston is secretary general and Deanie George - Campaign Manager. Monica West, Dr. Hazel Bowen-Wright and Jennifer Sawyer are also board members. Gemina Archer-Davies of The African Development Bank in Tunisia is an executive board member.