Sponsor's update from Freetown, Sierra Leone

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Freetown, Sierra Leone from Winter 2008.

Suddenly it is November and nearly December again and we realize that with giant strides we started January and within a blink of an eye, 2008 is on its way out. I would like to "Thank You” for the impact you have made on the lives of our children/facilities. Especially with all the support you gave and have given throughout all the past years. I'm sure that 2008 would not have been extremely good without you in our SOS family.

The SOS Children’s Village, Freetown recorded 141 children (68 boys and 73 girls) at the start of the reporting period. The transfer of 10 youths to the SOS Youth Hostel at Malama on 7th September 2008, after completing the Youth Orientation Programme brought the total down to 131 children (63 boys and 68 girls). In a bid to maximize utilisation of the facility, 35 cases are currently being investigated and verified for admission into the village.

The economic situation in the country continues to be of concern with price hikes on basic foodstuffs whilst the price of fuel experienced a slight fall. However, the Children’s Village carried out specific activities.

The Children’s Village, Freetown continues to record success stories in the provision of care and protection for the children as recorded in their educational performance. The end of the school year examination results shows a 95% overall pass mark for children in the village at all levels. In the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) results, all 10 candidates registered by the village for the examination had aggregates well above 300 ranging from 326 to 348. All of these children have been successfully placed in grade one in Junior Secondary School (JSS) I. The only Basic Examination Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate scored aggregate 16 and is now in Senior Secondary School stage 1, and is offering commercial subjects.

As part of SOS International Day celebration, an official tree-planting day was declared and observed by the village on 23rd June. Very important personalities and government officials planted trees at strategic positions on SOS grounds, and in the community. This event was preceded by a thanksgiving service at the SOS International School Hall, Freetown on the 22nd June.

After the closure of school for the summer vacation, a partner, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Sierra Leone, held a one-week vacation Bible School in the Children’s Village. The children were engaged in-group work activities, singing, learning, and reciting scripts from the Bible. A children’s Bible Study Box Club will certainly be launched next summer.

Children growing up at Freetown, Sierra Leone

Counseling support to mothers and children with attitude problems were given. One to one sessions were held with several children in respect to their general conduct and education.

As priority is placed on the health of the children, the clinic staff and the administrative team continued with routine checks on the health of the children through home visits, observations, discussions and follow-ups and monitoring of treatment of children were undertaken.

Children continue to benefit from activities from our partners especially Right To Play with play-day festivals and outdoor activities and games and quizzes as well as radio programmes and discussions on topical issues including those affecting children and their rights.

Children are also encouraged to play leading roles in their homes, clubs and organisations in the community; for instance, church choirs, child radio presenters, and school prefects to attain improved social interaction.

The administrative team, 10 children and 3 mothers joined the distinguished guests at the inauguration ceremony of the SOS Children’s Village, Makeni.

To mark the end of the year and Christmas celebrations, plans are well underway to have a big Christmas party and outings on Boxing Day and New Year day respectively. Children and mothers will exchange Christmas gifts and dress the Christmas tree. The Family Homes will prepare a variety of special Christmas and occasional dishes.

Children and sponsors will exchange gifts and cards and church services, musical shows and concerts will usher in the New Year.

Projects supporting children at Freetown, Sierra Leone

YOUTH HOSTEL FREETOWN
The SOS Youth Hostel, Freetown, an affiliated project of the SOS Children’s Village, Freetown for the period under review has been very challenging and contending with regards youth work and the management of the entire youth department. Ten youths from the children’s village Freetown were subsequently transferred, into the youth facility at malama; six are girls and four boys, to be added to the already existing fifteen (15), which increased the number to twenty-five.

Life in this facility has been very colorful, lively and splendid as youths were encouraged to lead roles and are encouraged to undertake certain social activities; such as football and volley ball games, exchange visits, excursion trips, visitation to the beach, social evenings and birthday parties. All geared towards developing a sense of responsibility in them, and prepare them for a fulfilling social life, and building a well rounded personality.

They also organised a family outing for youths living in the youth facilities. With regards to their performance in school, the last terminal examination result puts the facility in an upward trend of good academic performance indicating high flyers. Seven (7) candidates that took the Basic Educational Certificate Examination in June this year passed with excellent results.

On the 26th of October, the department took a hand full of youths to Makeni North of Sierra Leone for the official inauguration of SOS Children’s Village, Makeni. The Youth Department in collaboration with V.ventures (Inspire Salone Program) will be organising a friendly outing for SOS youth and staff on Saturday the 6th December, 2008 at the Lumley Beach. This will enhance the familiarisation of youths in the Lumley community, and help in building their social capability, as we inject into them a strong sense of responsibility and how to develop a family life.

SOS HOME FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED
The SOS Home for the Physically Challenged continues to operate smoothly with a full capacity of 30 children. 15 girls and 15 boys, receiving full care and protection in the home.

The children and youths are making progress in their school work. Most of them worked very hard during the 2007/2008 academic year. At the end of the school year, 25 of them passed their final exams and 4 who took the national Primary School exams passed with flying colours.

An exciting play day programme was organised with the Rotary Team from the United Kingdom in the home and the children played games, made new friends and exchanged gifts with the children in the community.

As a family, they have set objectives for this Christmas celebrations, some of the children will go to a Christmas camp, take part in interior decorations, singing of carols and attend church services.

I on behalf of the children wish you a magical festive season filled with beautiful and warm memories of 2008. By the grace of God 2009 will mark the beginning of a tidal wave of happiness and a happy future.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. Fatmata M. Taylor
National Sponsorship Co-ordinator
SOS Children Sierra Leone