My Experiences in Sierra Leone

Meeting the people and hearing their love for "Sweet Salone"




The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Wonie Bio, is speaking to the Global Mercy community in the ship's international lounge. 


Celebrations occurred on the Global Mercy Ship when we arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Many crew including myself participated in these official celebrations which hosted the President, Ministers and important country engagement contributors in the Mercy Ships mission.


Sierra Leone medical and nursing professionals joined the celebrations. The nurses wore the uniforms familiar to my early years in nursing (1970s). An estimated 5500 nurses and nurse allied-professionals serve the nation of Sierra Leone. This accounts for over 42% of the Sierra Leone healthcare workforce. Of this number only 349 are classified as nurses with an undergraduate degree and specialized knowledge.



Visiting the Divine Heritage Home







The Divine Heritage Home is one of the needed nongovernmental orphanages for children not having families to care for them. Children are provided a family setting, education and hope. After Sierra Leone's Civil War the children's home founder, Prince Sama, helped tramatized, and often parentless children. Prince and his wife Annie Sama are day crew employees on the Global Mercy surgical ship while in Sierra Leone. They established the Divine Heritage Home 15 years ago and celebrate the university graducation of many children under their care.

 
Young mother carrying her 8 month old child in the Waterloo, Sierra Leone area.

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