This campaign has now closed
Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world: 60% of the population of 6 million live in poverty on the equivalent of less than $1 a day. The statistics on life expectancy, maternal mortality and infant death rates are shocking and amongst the worst in the world, with many of the victims young women in their teens. (For every 1,000 live births, 18 women die; almost a third of children do not reach 5.) The figures for the north (where we are working) are worse. The fact that only one woman in 14 can read, write and count is a major contributory factor. Our project will help reduce maternal and child mortality in 100 villages; it will also raise public awareness of the dangers of HIV-AIDS and provide advice on what people can do to protect themselves.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
We will provide practical training in healthcare and functional literacy for 3,000 women farmers and market traders from poor rural communities in Bombali and Koinadugu, including some who are seriously disabled, and we will mount an information and sensitization programme to improve public understanding of healthcare and basic rights using community theatre, public meetings, radio broadcasts and stakeholder lobbying. We will also provide support for a pool of Traditional Birth Attendants so that they are better able to advise on sexual and reproductive health, including AIDS awareness, family planning and parenting, and better equipped to handle home births. We will train 120 women in leadership and advocacy; and provide micro-credits for the learning circles so that women can improve food security and child nutrition. The project will also help four grassroots organisations build their capacity and improve their communication and advocacy skills. Partners: Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, Grassroots Empowerment, Education for Women; Disability Awareness Action Group & Vision for the Blind Timescale: 4 yrs.