First SOHCA trip in Sierra Leone: 17 to 30 November 2008

2009-02-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

SOHCA (School of High Conscious Awareness)
To download a pdf illustrated version click here

Background
SOHCA is a social entrepreneur project initiated by Naomi Sesay, Director of Global Infinity. On 24th December 2007, the Independent newspaper published an article that was written by Katherine Butler under the heading of ‘The Unluckiest Baby in the World’. The article was highlighting the plight of young mothers who were dying at childbirth and the high mortality rate of children in Sierra Leone, the poorest country in the world according to the UN index. The problems that are faced by countries such as Sierra Leone are due to poor leadership – not a lack of resources. In fact, by virtue of its abundant natural resources, Sierra Leone should be the richest nation in Africa instead of the poorest country in the world. Naomi who is originated from Sierra Leone decided to make a difference in that country in a year. Less than a year later, in November 2008 as per her intention, I was leading a team of 5 social entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone as project manager of SOHCA.

Arrival in Sierra Leone
We landed at Lungui airport after a 8-hours flight from London Heathrow. On arrival we took the ferry for Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.
We were warmly welcomed by our hosts and the neighbourhood. After 2 days in the capital to buy the material and equipment to build the school and arrange the logistics of our stay we headed to Matamp, the village where the first school of SOHCA project is been built.

Full cultural Immersion
We were extremely privileged to experience this trip at a much more intimate level that you would probably do as a tourist. Meeting the locals, working and eating with them, enjoying local culture in fact completely immersing ourselves in the village life was extremely rewarding.

Sierra Leone is in West Africa and has a vibrant and hospitality culture. There are many dialects. English is the official language but not everyone speaks it especially in the remote villages. We always managed to communicate and this was truly a good experience.

Building the school
Matamp is at 6-8 hours by car from Freetown. We arrived in the village in the evening in a deep dark after a trip of 8 hours. We were welcomed with some dancing and singing by the kids of the village. The next morning we were presented gifts by the chief of the village: a goat, some chicken and palm oil to show us the gratitude of the village.

Our first day in Matamp was memorable. The kids of the primary school took a break from school to come and greet us on the school site. We helped the workers to build the blocks. The tasks included carrying and mixing the sand, cement and water to make blocks. The school foundation had been built prior our arrival.

Sharing skills-Be a role model
Learning activities and Cultural nights
In addition to building the school, we wanted to share our skills and learn from them.
Plenty of cultural activities had been organised such as: singing, traditional dance, including dance with fire.
There was also clown night, energy exercise of lifting chair, drawing competition for kids.

After spending a week with the kids, which seems a relatively short time, we got to know them and developed a strong bond. They appreciated what we were doing for them. It was very touching.
During a meeting attended by 80 people in the village we had the opportunity to talk to the adults and explained our motivation of helping them.
When I asked what their vision was they replied with one voice that it was time to change and have unity in the country. After many years of war they are tired of fighting each other and what they want is to come together as a single nation to face the future with smile and dedication.

Free time to relax & chill out on one of the most beautiful beaches
After 5 days in Matamp helping with the school building, we went back to Freetown and then to Lakka which is located at 1 hour off Freetown. Lakka possess the most gorgeous beaches in Sierra Leone with white sand and warm sea. We stayed in a resort with sea view rooms, a swimming pool, a bar and restaurant. We had the most delicious fresh grilled fish and shrimps...and slept with the sound of the waves, far from the noise of the city.

Lakka beach is the perfect place to chill out after a hectic time. We were spoiled with a Bonfire prepared by the local kids who also presented us with some acrobatic dance. We had a well deserved relaxing treat.

Opportunities
There are currently great opportunities of property development at Lakka for a home residence or hotels.
Main power Electricity is rare and the population uses mainly generator which runs with fuel. There is opportunity to develop solar panelling. The school will be equipped with one which will be also used for wealth creation as part of the self-sustainability plan for this school.
Many other small projects can be initiated like micro-finance, telecoms, etc.

Financing SOHCA
The first phase of the project has been funded by social entrepreneurs and fundraising activities.

Past Events
Jump for Africa
A sponsored skydiving event led by Harun Rabbani. A small team jumped from 13,000 feet in Oxfordshire. The event took place on Sunday 12th October 2008..

Skip for Africa
A sponsored skipping rope jumping event led by Naomi Sesay’s children at Eleanor Palmer Primary School in Kentish Town, London. The event took place on November 2008.

Current Event
Sing for Africa
This is a sponsored singing event led by Francine Beleyi. The event will take place on Wednesday 25th February 2009. We aim to generate up to £5,000 of sponsorship from private sponsors, concert tickets and donations.

Many young talented international artists will be entertaining you. Join us to sing and dance on music from all over the world.
Venue : The Miller
96 Snowsfields Road, London Bridge
London SE1 3SS (Tube London Bridge)
For more information and to book a place please go to http://sing4africa.eventbrite.com/

What next?
We are looking for like-minded people and social entrepreneurs to join us for our next trip to Matamp in May 2009.
If you would like to join us and be part of a unique project to build a school for the new generation of Leaders, you are welcome. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and share your skills with the local population. We will visit the beautiful Lakka beach again to relax and refill our batteries just before returning back to London.

There are many other ways you can be involved in SOHCA project. For more information please lease your comments on this post

Matamp children singing on SOHCA site-November 2008

2009-02-16T11:17:00.000-08:00

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SOHCA projects

First SOHCA trip in Sierra Leone: 17 to 30 November 2008

Matamp children singing on SOHCA site-November 2008