6 weeks to go!

I’m doing what?

I have a placement through VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) for one year. VSO works in developing countries, placing volunteers in roles where they can pass on their skills to local people. I have been placed in an organisation called CCYA in Sierra Leone, to help them to direct a programme of research into the needs of the young people of Sierra Leone. This task scares me quite a lot, but it also sounds like a fantastic challenge and a great opportunity that I’m really excited about.

Where’s Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone is a small country in West Africa. You can see it on the map on this page. The country has a population of just over 6 Million who suffer from extreme poverty. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education, and standard of living for countries worldwide, which is published by the UN. There are 177 countries on the list and Sierra Leone places at 176. It's going to be very different to living in the UK - and very hot... I have packed my factor 50!

Is it safe?

There was a civil war for 10 years in Sierra Leone, which ended in 2001. VSO wouldn’t be sending me there if they weren’t happy about the safety of the country. There are ongoing elections happening in the country at the moment, the results should be known before I leave.
It will of course be different living in a developing country to the UK. For example in terms of access to healthcare and the kinds of diseases which are prevalent. However, I’m well prepared for this, having had about a million (give or take) jabs in the last few weeks.

Where will I be working?

I’ll be based in Freetown, which is the capital city, but I will be travelling throughout the country to meet and speak to young people as part of my work.

Why on earth am I doing this?

Leaving my family, friends and home and job is a big decision, but something I feel really strongly is the right thing for me to do. I think it’s really important that people share the skills and experiences they have had to try and benefit others, and this particular way of doing that is the one that appeals to me. Obviously I’m scared… but also very excited!

How will I keep in touch with everyone?

I should have reasonable access to internet, so I can post on here to keep everyone up to date with general news, and then email people separately. I should also have a mobile phone once I’m there, but I'm told that regular post is pretty unreliable. Once I have all my numbers and addresses I’ll let you know so there’s no excuse for not being in touch!