Shine On Sierra Leone-Shining A Light Creating Sustainability And Self-Sufficiency




shineonsierraleone.org
Shine On Sierra Leone (SOSL) has made great and impactful strides since I first spotlighted them two years ago.  Everything has been achieved through the sheer determination, positive spirit and a conviction to change things for the better in the 7th poorest country in the world. Behind it all are founder Tiffany Persons and the organization’s committed and energized teamof staff and volunteers.

Since I last posted here SOSL’s projects have expanded form education, microcredits (through a partnership with Salone Microfinance Trust, SMT) and sustainable development—adding the SOSL Maternal and Child Healthcare program and a nationwide Computer and Adult Literacy, partnership with ST Foundations' Digital Unify Program, and Ecotourism.

They have also added some impressive and impact-adding partnerships; Operation USA privately funded NGO focused on providing reconstruction and development aid around the world, the Lower Eastside Girls Club of NYC creating a SOSL chapter of the organization focusing on entrepreneurship and educational programs and Cash & Rocket a luxury brand platform. through one initiative Cash & Rocket engaged 70 of its female entrepreneurs driving from Barcelona to Cannes to Florence to Rome successfully raising $170,000 for SOSL.

To date SOSL has built 5 primary and secondary schools today serving over 1,700 students.  The adult and computer literacy program outreaches to 6,000 individuals annually.

shineonsierraleone.org
With all of this momentum, including a planned groundbreaking a new secondary school, SOSL is now facing the added challenge of the impacts of EBOLA. As Tiffany says, "We have come a long way grown exponentially and fought tooth and nail every step of the way.”  

SOSL has stepped up and is leading an active role in the fight against EBOLA. As of Tiffany's most recent update SOSL was the only organization in this fight on the frontline in this battle in the Kono region of Sierra Leone where SOSL Muddy Lotus School and the planned news secondary school are located. They are responding by providing education on and resources against this threat in their region in partnership with Well Body Alliance. This includes training of more than 100 community workers doing outreach as well as creation and distribution of a “Village Kit” including preventative supplies and resources. SOSL along with Well Body Alliance, has a goal to put together and distribute 10,000 of these kits which each cost $150.

There are a number of ways to support SOSL and those it serves- donate to provide one Village Kit which saves many lives, sponsor a Shine On Sierra Leone school student, pay a teacher’s salary. Get involved spread the word through YOUR social media, donate and learn more at  http://shineonsierraleone.org 

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