SSLDF was delighted to welcome three students from Alma College, Michigan during the month of June; Danny, Destiny and Jack.

Danny and Destiny executed education placements at Magbenteh Community Boarding School, rotating through each of the five classes during their 4 weeks in Sierra Leone. Both volunteers have been an inspiration to the students and the staff, providing new interactive teaching and learning techniques. In the United States Danny is a Developmental Social Studies student and shared his thoughts on working in a school in a developing country; “I see so much potential in the students, they are so desperate and ready to learn. Even with the struggles that the children have experienced during the Ebola epidemic, they constantly find it in their hearts to help each other.”

Destiny explains how she saw the impact of the feeding programme in encouraging the children to come to school, who would otherwise only eat once a day at home. She explained how at Alma College she is part of the ‘Model United Nations Programme’ where she is used to theorizing on problems but her experience in Sierra Leone has enabled her to tackle them. “One of my favourite moments of my volunteer placement with SSLDF was preparing for and celebrating the International Day of the African Child. Celebrations such as this help build on the creative skills of the children by performing in plays and learning new songs. It also gives the students a new found confidence, especially when considering their vulnerable backgrounds.”

Jack performed his placement with the medical team at Magbenteh Community Hospital, moving through each hospital ward and shadowing different members of the medical team. At Alma College Jack studies Biology in Human Health, hoping to become a Doctor in the future. “During my time at Magbenteh Community Hospital I was able to learn how to identify cases of malnutrition and HIV and how to treat and document them over a period of time. Dr. Turay also taught me how to make patients feel comfortable. This made them calm and easy to work with.”

SSLDF is extremely grateful to Alma College for their continued commitment and support in strengthening the health and education sectors of Sierra Leone and hopes to receive more volunteers next year!