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Sierra Leone

2022 Brief on Sierra Leone: Charity Impact

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The Ukraine crisis has only worsened the already precarious situation of food and nutrition security in Sierra Leone. As the country experiences a continued decline in its macroeconomic status, the crisis has caused a surge in petroleum prices, leading to a ripple effect on the costs of transportation, food, and other essential goods, which has further decreased people's ability to purchase them. Consequently, the cost of food has remained prohibitively high for many households, with rice prices alone increasing by 35% compared to the same period in 2021.

To address this dire situation, Caritas Freetown, a long-time partner of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) conducted an impact assessment to determine the impact of the humanitarian aid materials supplied to various vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone. These groups include Ebola survivors, widows, vulnerable children, and orphans.

In the western region of Sierra Leone, five organizations - St. George's Foundation, Don Bosco Fambul, St. Mary's Fatima Interim Care Centre, Milton Margai School for the Blind, and National School for the Deaf Wilkinson Road Freetown - are working tirelessly to serve the children in their communities, including Ebola survivors. Through the efforts of these organizations, a total of 165,840kg of rice, 13,600kg of Garrie, 10,180kg of Jingsi Multi-grain, and 925 eco-blankets were distributed to over 4,797 individuals in the region.

The impact of this aid has been significant. Ebola survivors have reported that the rice provided to them has greatly reduced the stigma, discrimination, and isolation they faced. By saving the money they would have spent on purchasing rice, they can now afford other food items or pay for their children's school and medical fees.

Most vulnerable children who come under the care of these organizations arrive with little to no clothing or shoes and are malnourished. However, the aid sent by the BTCF has helped address these issues, providing clothing, food, blankets, shoes, and other essential supplies. As a result, four out of five organizations mentioned that they were able to pay for the children's school fees and educational materials with the money they saved from not having to buy the supplies sent by the BTCF.

*The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a global non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Its missions of medicine, charity, education, and humanistic culture have brought relief to 128 countries. The heart of Tzu Chi is embedded in its name: in Chinese, “Tzu” means compassion and “Chi” relief, to relieve the suffering of those in need while creating a better world for all through compassion, love and hope. For more information, visit tzuchi.us. For additional information and media inquiries, please write to Sandy Lu, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, sandz0811@tzuchi.org.tw

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