Happy Indepedence Day, Sierra Leone!
“When I first entered Bunumbu for the first time, I went to visit my best friend’s relative. Without knowing what I would encounter, nothing prepared me for the biggest hug I would ever receive. Very quickly, I realized everything I was told about people in rural Sierra Leone was wide off the mark. My grandma, as she insisted I call her, greeted me with a dance, with fresh pineapples, fresh mangoes to the point that I had to kindly deny the rest.”
On the 27th of April, Sierra Leone turns 62! Happy Independence day to our lovely ‘Salone’ (Krio word for Sierra Leone).
While it is a day that we choose to reflect on how far the country has come – from wars, to epidemics and multidimensional poverty, today, we want to reflect not just on the country, but the people.
Sierra Leoneans are some of the friendliest people in the world. Unfortunately, it can be hard to see when all we know about the country is its war torn past. Despite that, time after time, Sierra Leoneans prove that they aren’t what they go through. We asked our staff to recount a time they felt Sierra Leoneans’ ( a stranger or a friend) kindness in any situation and the responses were heartfelt.
“I was born in Sierra Leone, but did not have the opportunity to be raised here due to the war. Returning back to Sierra Leone after 16 years was a big cultural shock, but the one thing that never disappointed was how sweet and caring Sierra Leoneans were. During my first trip through the provinces, I remember driving with some family behind a slow moving car. We got frustrated and honked several times. Our first instinct was to overtake the slow moving truck, but the driver ahead of us waved his hand out his window to indicate that we don’t. Shortly after, a truck drove past us as the same driver gave us the go ahead to overtake him. This story is shared several times, but I think of how rude and impatient we were and how he overlooked that for our safety – the safety of strangers.” – Vanessa Woode.
“Ramadan is usually a time that every Muslim is reflective, quiet, but also hungry. During Ramadan, I used a little bit of my neighbor’s water, not thinking it was a big deal. She politely asked me to refill what I had used, but I didn’t – making her irritable. The next day after prayer, I was in need of something and was running out the house and almost fell. My neighbor who I thought was angry at me, rushed out immediately to help me out and did not recount her anger. It really humbled me that she was able to push aside her anger at me to help me out.” - Mamie Gassama.
“During Ramadan, we break our fast after sunset. On this day, I had planned to break my fast at home, but a few of my friends invited me to break it with them at a restaurant. When we went to the restaurant, we realized that there was a plan organized by Christians to provide us food for free to break our fast. This made me realize how friendly all Sierra Leoneans are no matter the religion and the religious holiday. In Sierra Leone is where I see that Muslims and Christians can co-exist and live in peace. “ - John Sheriff.
Today we celebrate Sierra Leoneans globally. Sierra Leone, despite its challenges, is a country full of friendly faces, inviting gestures and smiling eyes. We are proud to partner with, live with and celebrate this beautiful people and culture.
To partner with Sierra Leoneans, today and celebrate with them, click here.