Discover Sierra Leone

It is a beautiful day in Sierra Leone today. The spirit of the people in OIC International's training programs is alive and we hope you can discover something new about Sierra Leone and its people today.

Sierra Leone is still recovering from a 10-year civil war in which tens of thousands died. Although the war officially ended in 2002, for many Sierra Leoneans, including child soldiers, harmed citizens, and internally displaced people, the wounds have yet to heal. In recent years the economy has been experiencing positive growth. However, 70% of the population still lives in poverty and only a third of the country is literate. Obstacles such as high interest rates, no tax breaks for start-ups and intermittent electricity make it difficult for entrepreneurs to thrive.

In 1977, OIC established its first training site in the town of Bo, Sierra Leone. Initially, our program chose to focus on stimulating entrepreneurship and upgrading the skills of middle management, technical and administrative personnel. OIC went on to establish skills-training services throughout the country including the capital, Freetown. During the civil war, SLOIC's programs were greatly affected, but its training centers remained operational and transitioned to offering resettlement services and trauma counseling for those affected by the conflict.

Currently, our Sierra Leone work is combining post-conflict rehabilitation programs with skills development training to assist the nation's rebuilding efforts.

A 2010 report from the United Nations Development Program highlighted the work that we are carrying out in one of its training centers in Makeni, a town located in the central part of the country. OIC Makeni is working to prepare youth to take up jobs in electronics, car mechanics, masonry, metal work, catering, agriculture, tailoring and carpentry. These skills are especially important in a country where unemployment is rampant. According to a recent census report, 15 - 35 year-olds comprise 33% of the population, but represent about 70% of the unemployed.

If you are inspired by OIC's work to promote entrepreneurship and skills-training in a post-conflict country such as Sierra Leone, please take a moment to DONATE. Our work in Sierra Leone is a perfect example of OIC International's mission around the world.

The OIC International Team

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