Most volunteer work in Sierra Leone is focused on serving underprivileged populations, as the country continues to struggle with civil violence, infrastructure issues, and poverty. Those who volunteer in Sierra Leone will no doubt learn a lesson in empathy as they are able to reach out to underprivileged and underserved populations and provide vital support.
Orphanages. Sierra Leone has a sizeable population of vulnerable youth and children. Therefore, there is a critical need for volunteers to work alongside these precious children in a number of capacities. Volunteers can work directly in orphanages helping staff to meet the children’s most immediate needs, but responsibilities could also include marketing, administrative, education related tasks. For example, volunteers might have the chance to work together to raise funds to support the orphanages and empower the children through special programs.
Teaching. Sierra Leone is home to a range of academic institutions, which provide many opportunities for foreigners to volunteer their time and skills. Those with a love for children and a desire to see the fruits of their work daily will likely find volunteer teaching in Sierra Leone to be both challenging and rewarding. Most volunteers will spend their time teaching local students a range of subjects, such as math and art. In addition to teaching, volunteers will usually be able to plan extracurricular activities for students.
Health. Unfortunately, Sierra Leone has the highest death rate in the world. Putting war mortality aside, malaria is the largest cause of death in Sierra Leone. With a severe lack of general practitioners, the average citizen often goes without proper medical care. Individuals with backgrounds in global health, medicine, and international development, among others, should not pass up the opportunity to volunteer in Sierra Leone; they will be able to help locals who lack appropriate health education and access to medical advice and treatment. Volunteers interested in reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention will also find volunteering in Sierra Leone to be particularly beneficial.
Daily life in Sierra Leone varies greatly from life in the Western world. Although the beautifully simple way of life in Sierra Leone may be very foreign to incoming volunteers, this only means that volunteers will have even more to learn. The local people put a strong emphasis on etiquette and manners. Therefore, to ensure positive relationships, it is crucial that volunteers treat all people in a polite, respectful fashion.
