Agency Details:

Our mission is to highlight and find solutions to the current socioeconomic problems facing the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Our primary goal is to increase international public awareness of the issues facing the people and to raise funds and materials for schools, hospitals, the disadvantaged, the suffering, and war victims.

Description:
Sierra Leone Relief and Development Outreach is a humanitarian advocacy international organization established and registered in the United States to assist affected individuals, families and communities across war-ravaged Sierra Leone. It is a non-profit private organization, headquartered in the State of Virginia, with offices in the Republic of Sierra Leone. The organization intends to pursue its mission with excellence, compassion, dignity, integrity and accountability. The overall goal is to search for creative and innovative solutions to the current socio-economic problems facing the people of Sierra Leone. Program activities will be centered on reformative measures that would enhance the economic and social well being of the disadvantaged.

History:
For over ten years Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, experienced one of the most brutal and devastating civil wars in Africa. The war, which lasted from 1990 to 2000, was characterized by the United Nations as one of the worst brutal civil conflicts and human rights abuse in the world. This war practically destroyed the socio-economic infrastructure of the entire country. During the rebel incursion, schools, hospitals, clinics, churches, family homes and government buildings were burned down across the country. Hundreds of businesses were disrupted and most are now permanently closed. Young boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 17 were forcefully recruited into the rebel force as child soldiers. Young girls and women were raped and taken into sexual slavery. Serious human right violations and atrocities were committed from that war, and over 1 million people were affected. In 2003, founder Bernadette Kamara-Bangura created Sierra Leone Relief and Development Outreach, a not-for-profit organization, to help improve the lives of victims of the civil war, to provide assistance, to improve basic and vocational education, to advocate for community empowerment and self-sustenance, provide hope, restore dignity and skill training empowerment; and solicit financial support of donors, private foundations, religious institutions, educational institutions and philanthropic organizations.

Contact people:

Bernadette Kamara-Bangura, President/CEO, (703) 823-3600, (email) Precious Mizell, Public Relations Manager, (703) 823-3600, (email) Nanah Bangura, Board Secretary, (703) 338-8092, (email)

Address:

4231-B Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22304 (See a map)

Directions:

From Washington take 395 south to Duke street exit.Pass Land Mark Mall go straight and watch for address.From 395 South exit on Duke Street East, continue pass the Landmark Mall and Watch for address number.For Detail direction go to www.Mapquest.com. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: King Street Metro station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 35 Minutes   Nearest Bus Stop: DASH Bus Route AT8 or Metro Route 29, 15 minutes minute walk