Canadian Red Cross Secretary General's visit to Sierra Leone
Dr. Pierre Duplessis, Canadian Red Cross Secretary General, visited Sierra Leone recently to meet with representatives of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and see first-hand the impact of three humanitarian programs supported there by the Canadian Red Cross.
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Dr. Pierre Duplessis (at right) meeting with the President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. | |
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Dr. Duplessis visited a traditional birthing centre funded by the Canadian Red Cross. About 60 babies are born at the centre each year. "In light of the harsh living conditions, the work being done here is praiseworthy; the results are remarkable," said Dr. Duplessis, who was impressed by the quality and dedication of the volunteers.
Many young people receive assistance through the Child Advocacy and Rehabilitation (CAR) program, which began in 2000. The program seeks to rehabilitate young people aged 10 to 18, directly affected by the civil war- including former child soldiers. It helps former child soldiers reclaim their childhood and reintegrate their communities.
"I was deeply moved by these children's smiles, their songs and dances, and their persistence in wanting to learn. I can't imagine them being abandoned to their fate without any assistance. The Canadian Red Cross is honored to be able to assist these child survivors of war in Sierra Leone," added Dr. Duplessis.
In his graduation speech from the CAR program, a twelve-year old graduate shared his experience. "I sincerely thank the people who have supported this centre and restored my hope. My father rejected me at birth and my mother brought me up by herself until I was eight years old. I then witnessed my mother being killed and I was dragged into the rebel force. When the war ended, I didn't have anywhere to go to. One day, I met the animators of this centre and they accepted my application. I am not proud of what I have done but today I can speak in front of the community. Without this program, I would be begging on the streets. I can now continue my secondary education and participate in the development of my country."
In Koy, Dr. Duplessis visited the Community Animation and Peace Support (CAPS) Program, which aims to heal the psychological wounds inflicted by war and to participate in the development of their livelihoods. "It gives humanity hope to see these people deeply affected by war and living in extreme poverty be strongly committed to rebuilding their lives. Furthermore, the healing of deep wounds between survivors of war and perpetrators living in the same communities is a great lesson for the entire world. The Canadian Red Cross is honored to be able to make a modest contribution to these projects through the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society," said Dr. Duplessis.
Click here for more information on Canadian Red Cross supported programs in Sierra Leone.
