Republic of Sierra Leone

Visit the Country of Sierra Leone

Experiencing a vision trip to Sierra Leone is an opportunity for you! Join us as we learn about the culture and community in Sierra Leone.

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Country Overview

About Sierra Leone

With vibrant cities, stunning landscape, and tropical climate, Sierra Leone is a place of beauty and rich history. Located on the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa bordered by Guinea and Liberia, this country is filled with many ethnicities. The flat coastal land and interior plateaus are teeming with agriculture which employs 80% of the 7.4 million population of Sierra Leone. Freetown is the capital of the country and it is a hub filled with activity. Sierra Leone cities and rural villages demonstrate the diverse ethnicities represented in the country.

Sierra Leone has a history of many trials and difficulties. Through civil war, Ebola virus epidemic, and mudslides, the people of Sierra Leone have shown their resiliency and strength. From the bright colors worn by the women to children playing games in the streets, the joy and determination of the people of Sierra Leone are evident. Consider joining us as we learn about the culture, create community, and see life-change happen. Scroll down to learn more about our upcoming vision trips to Sierra Leone.

Human Trafficking: Exploited Hope

In 2020, World Hope’s Anti-Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence Team in Sierra Leone served nearly 1,000 survivors, including children and adults—many of whom were exploited through migration. One of them was a 28-year-old young woman who only dreamed of making a better life for herself and her family…

Saidu Kanu Honored in Freetown

Country Director for WHI Sierra Leone, Saidu Kanu, was honored as one of the 100 Most Outstanding Sierra Leoneans at the 2020 Sierra Ovation Awards Ceremony. Congratulations, Saidu!

Elizabeth’s Gift: A Survivor Steps Forward

One woman shares her story of survival – and her call for an end to violence against women and girls…

Sierra Leone Facts

UN, World Bank

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Capital: Freetown

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Population: 7.4 million

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Currency: Leone (SLL)

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Area: 71,740 sq km (27,699 sq miles)

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Languages: English, Krio, and a range of African languages

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Major religions: Islam, Christianity

Interested in going to Sierra Leone?

We have various trips to Sierra Leone throughout the year and we can customize a trip to fit your gifts and interests.

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Upcoming Trips to Sierra Leone

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Do you have an idea of a vision trip? Let us know, we would love to work with you to make it happen.

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October 7 - 18

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October 7 - 18

Radiant Life Church, Sturgis, Michigan is sending a medical team to Sierra Leone. View Trip Details

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October 20 - 30

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October 20 - 30

Three churches from Indiana are sending a team to Sierra Leone to assist the finishing work on a church in the village of Pele Wala. View Trip Details

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October 31 - November 8

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October 31 - November 8

Jo Anne Lyon is leading a trip of Pastor Influencers from the Chesapeake District of The Wesleyan Church to Sierra Leone. View Trip Details

Things You Need to Know

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Passport Required: Yes – 1-year validation recommended

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Visa Required: Yes

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Vaccinations: See your GP about immunisations

Resources

Travel Information

Visa Information

Required Immunisations

AN ORGANISATION YOU CAN TRUST.

Please note that in the unlikely event a specific appeal becomes overfunded, surplus funds will be redirected towards a similar relief or community development project.

K. Scott Drury, Esq.

Development Advisor
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Scott Drury is an experienced development and fundraising professional, with more than a decade of experience working with World Hope. At World Hope, Scott advises on fundraising strategy, including major donor relationships, planned giving, and special initiatives. Scott actively supports World Hope’s water and sanitation program. Scott began his career as a lecturer at the Budapest College of Foreign Trade, and he practiced law full-time in the US for ten years, where he specialized in civil litigation, estate planning, contracts, planned giving, and non-profit law. Scott served as regional VP for the Free Methodist Foundation and as Managing Director of Educational Services International. Scott currently holds various leadership roles within the Wesleyan Church, consults with other organizations on fundraising, and maintains a small law practice. Scott has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Wesleyan University and a JD from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Jill Gavin

International Grants and Partnerships Manager
Location: USA/Buffalo, NY

Allieu is a public health expert with more than 20 years of experience in public and community health Jill Gavin develops grant proposals for US and international government and foundation partners—a position she’s held for four years. Jill works with World Hope’s country teams and local partners to design high-impact proposals. Prior to World Hope, Jill was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique, where she focused on early childhood development, education, and women’s empowerment. Jill holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York in Albany.

Dr. Elshan Orujov

Deputy Director
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

Dr. Elshan Orujov is the Deputy Director and Financial Manager for World Hope in Azerbaijan—a role he’s held since 2012. Elshan is the author of seven articles and two theses on international financial crises. Previously, Elshan worked as a youth event organizer in Lille, France. He also taught classes at Azerbaijan University on “Administration in Social Work” and “Analysis of Social Policies of Azerbaijan.” Elshan speaks Azerbaijani, English, French, Russian, and Turkish. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in International Relations and a doctorate in World Economics.

David O’Donnell

Deputy Director
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

David O’Donnell is World Hope’s Deputy Director in Azerbaijan. He has been working in Azerbaijan since 2003. During this time, he has taught English as a Second Language and has headed up numerous community development projects, including at orphanages and to prevent human trafficking. David holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in International Relations from Asbury University. He holds a certificate for teaching ESL from Washington State University.

James Winn

Country Director, Azerbaijan
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

James Winn is a former teacher with a passion for community development; this has informed his nearly two decades of work with World Hope in Azerbaijan. At World Hope, James directs programs and strategy within Azerbaijan—a role he’s held since 2006. James moved to Azerbaijan to work for World Hope in 2000, after teaching for two years in the Oklahoma public school system. When James initially moved to Azerbaijan, he oversaw World Hope’s computer training center and community development programs. James holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Joshua Carter

Country Director, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Joshua Carter is an experienced leader and cross-cultural liaison with more than a decade of experience guiding World Hope’s outreach in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At World Hope, Joshua directs programs and strategy within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Joshua originally joined World Hope as a volunteer, when he travelled to Bosnia as part of a college internship in 2005. In 2008, he joined the World Hope staff. Joshua speaks fluent Bosnian and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Joshua holds a bachelor’s degree from Kingswood University. He is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.

Tanya Nace

World Hope International Canada, Chief Executive Officer
Location: Canada/Kemptville, Ontario

Tanya Nace is an energetic organizational leader with a background in non-profit personnel recruitment and management. Tanya was elected Chief Executive Officer of World Hope International Canada by World Hope’s Board of Directors in December 2017. Prior to this, Tanya served as Director of Mobilization for TEAM, where she was responsible for a 400 percent increase in missionary departures and the recruitment of 326 long-term missionaries. Tanya brings experience in international communications, strategic thinking, systems development, and organizational management. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Kingswood University, and she is currently completing a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ruth Thomas

CEO World Hope International Ltd
Location: Australia/Brisbane

Ruth helped to establish World Hope International in Australia (previously known as World Hope Australia) along with her husband Dallas and served as the Managing Director from 2000 to 2012. Taking a five-year break, in January of 2017 Ruth took up the position as full-time CEO of World Hope Int. Focused on ministry to the vulnerable Ruth is passionate about mobilising others to action for social justice. With experience in establishing and managing not-for-profits, which provides a wide-ranging understanding of the charity industry including leadership, fundraising, programme management, and international communication.

She is able to communicate organisational vision and create structures to empower others to use their gifts and talents. Ruth’s passion to serve in international ministry came from being raised in Papua New Guinea by her inspiring parents who were two of the first Australian Wesleyan Missionaries to follow God’s calling to PNG in 1961. In the early 90’s, she spent 3 years serving with her husband and three children in the Southern Highlands of PNG.

Ruth also served as a member of the National Board of Administration of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia for eight years finishing up in January 2012. She also served eight years as a Director on the Board of Managers of World Relief Australia Inc taking up the position of Vice Chair for three years and Chair for one year.

Aside from all that, she finds great joy in being a loving wife, a proud mother of three sons, a gracious mother in law to three stunning young ladies, and most importantly a caring Nana Ruth to four beautiful grandchildren.

John Lyon, Esq.

President and Chief Executive Officer
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

John Lyon is a global development visionary and a licensed law practitioner with 13 years of experience working with World Hope International and seven years of experience in international law. At World Hope, John was elected President by the Board of Directors in September 2013. Prior to this, John was VP of Programs/Director of International Programs for World Hope, as well as a board member and volunteer. John’s foremost technical experience is with water/sanitation and construction projects, and he has created water and sanitation plans for several World Hope locations, including Sierra Leone. Prior to his time at World Hope, John practiced law at the international law firm WilmerHale, where he helped World Hope develop its microfinance and social enterprise program. John served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica from 1998 to 2000, where he raised more than $200,000 to build a primary school and helped popularize a typhoid-proof latrine model. John holds a bachelor’s degree from Houghton College and a JD from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law.

Phil Smart, PhD

Director of Donor Engagement
Location: USA/Grand Rapids, MI

Dr. Phil Smart is an international development expert with more than 35 years of experience as a missionary, pastor, facilitator, and business manager. At World Hope, Phil provides strategy for the engagement of donors with the organization’s mission. Prior to World Hope, Phil worked as an International Business Manager for eight years. He served as a missionary to Brazil for ten years, and more recently, he served as the Global Outreach Pastor for Kentwood Community Church. As a facilitator for the John Maxwell EQUIP Institute, Phil has taught leadership seminars in seven countries. Phil holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist University, a master’s degree from Golden Gate Seminary, and a doctorate in Leadership and Global Perspective from George Fox Seminary.

Heather Hill

Director of Communications and Marketing
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Heather Hill is a transformational communications leader with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Heather’s work has been featured in The Washington Post and on Fox5 TV. Notable awards include, 2018 Alumni Appreciation Award and 2019 finalist for the Washington Women in Public Relations Emerging Leader Award.

Heather has served in communications at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Heather is passionate about Human Rights and is currently the presiding Chair of the Human Rights committee on the Board of Directors for the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA). In this role, Heather leads a team of dedicated members in collaborating with State Department and UN officials, the diplomatic community, as well as local NGO’s, think tanks, and agencies to publish articles and reports, host events, and advocate on vital human rights issues.

In her current role at World Hope International, Heather heads the Communications Department, leading the global alliance’s media, marketing, advertising, website, and communications efforts across 20+ countries. Multilingual and multicultural, Heather leverages her lifetime of experience living and working across four continents to skillfully navigate complex, global strategy. Heather holds a master’s degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a bachelor’s from Houghton College, for which she now serves on the Alumni Board.

Daniel Scott

Director of Information Technology
Location:

Bio Coming!

Wayne MacBeth, MBA

Director of Church Engagement
Location: USA/Fort Wayne, IN

Wayne MacBeth is a dynamic leader that connects church communities across the US with World Hope’s mission. Wayne joined World Hope in 2016 to engage churches and individuals with the organization’s strategic impact areas. Prior to World Hope, Wayne served as Vice President for Student Life and Vice President for Enrollment Management at Houghton College. Wayne has also been Director of Development and Area Director for the South Pacific for Global Partners. Wayne was recently elected to serve as General Secretary for the Wesleyan Church. Wayne holds a bachelor’s degree from Houghton College and an MBA from St. Bonaventure University. Wayne is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.

Katie Kirkpatrick

Director of Member Services
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Katie Kirkpatrick is a community connection specialist with nearly 15 years of experience in the field of international development. At World Hope, Katie directs efforts to connect churches with the needs of their neighbors, both local and global. Katie served as a student intern with World Hope in 2004. Recently, Katie served with Global Partners in the Caribe Atlantic Region, primarily focusing on Haiti, from 2013-2017. In addition, Katie worked in HIV/AIDS prevention, supported refugee and homelessness ministries in Australia, and began a missions’ arm of a non-denominational church in South Louisiana. Katie was an AmeriCorps HealthCorps member. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from Southern Wesleyan University.

George Beals, PhD

Director of Strategic Development
Location: USA/Holland, MI

Dr. George Beals is a development professional with more than 30 years of international experience. At World Hope, George engages both churches and individual donors with World Hope’s impact areas. He also oversees the organization’s work in Europe and Central Asia. Prior to World Hope, George was the Pastor of Global Ministries for his local church. George holds a doctorate in Intercultural Studies with concentrations in International Relief and Development and Business-As-Mission.

Talmage Payne

Country Director, Cambodia & the Philippines
Location: Cambodia/Phnom Penh

Talmage Payne is a humanitarian entrepreneur and respected leader with more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit and for-profit social impact sectors. Talmage has worked to implement strategic vision within several international NGOs, and he has founded a number of social impact ventures. At World Hope, Talmage directs programs and strategy within Cambodia and the Philippines. Prior to World Hope, Talmage was global CEO of Hagar International, where he helped establish operations in nine countries using an integrated non-profit and for-profit model. Prior to Hagar, Talmage served with World Vision for 15 years, including as Country Director in Cambodia. The Royal Cambodian Government has recognized Talmage’s humanitarian work, including through the People’s Medal and the Royal Order of Sahmetri. Talmage holds a bachelor’s degree in Economic Development from Wheaton College.

Faradhia Moise

Country Director, Haiti
Location: Haiti/Port-au-Prince

Faradhia Moise is a native Haitian and accomplished non-profit program director with more than ten years of experience in leadership roles within international NGOs. At World Hope, Faradhia directs programs and strategy within Haiti. Throughout her career, Faradhia has focused much of her energy on programs that protect children. Prior to World Hope, Faradhia held leadership roles at World Vision Haiti, Save the Children, Plan Haiti, Oxfam GB, and several other international organizations. Farahdia holds a bachelor’s degree in Law from Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Faradhia also holds an MBA in Management and Leadership from the University of Monterrey in Mexico.

Wellington Kollie

Country Director, Liberia
Location: Liberia/Monrovia

Wellington Kollie is a native-born Liberian and non-profit management professional with more than 30 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. At World Hope, Wellington directs programs and strategy within Liberia. Prior to this, Wellington was World Hope’s Program Manager in Liberia for five years. Wellington has also held various technical and administrative positions, including line, middle, and top level, in government, private, and non-profit organizations throughout Liberia. Wellington draws on his experience in accounting, finance, media, and management for his position with World Hope. Wellington holds a bachelor’s degree in Management with an emphasis on Human Resources and a minor in Accounting.

Saidu Kanu, MA

Country Director, Sierra Leone
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Saidu Kanu is a native Sierra Leonean and rural development strategist with nearly two decades of experience meeting the changing needs of Sierra Leone. At World Hope, Saidu directs programs and strategy within Sierra Leone—a role he’s held for more than 14 years. Saidu has overseen efforts to drill clean water wells, empower parents to fight human trafficking, create a Trafficking in Persons Recovery Center, launch Village Partnerships, and connect rural farmers with an international supply chain. Prior to World Hope, Saidu worked in several leadership positions within the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone. Alongside his current position, Saidu serves as the Director of Projects for the Rotary Club of Freetown. Saidu hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Fourah Bay College at the University of Sierra Leone in Freetown.

Sergiy Svystun

Country Director, Ukraine
Location: Ukraine/Odessa

Sergiy Svystun is an experienced manager and compassionate leader with more than 16 years of experience in the non-profit field. At World Hope, Sergiy directs programs and strategy within Ukraine. Prior to World Hope, Sergiy founded the House House program for orphaned girls in Ukraine, as well as the First Step drop-in center. Sergiy is passionate about creating a caring community for orphaned Ukranian children. Sergiy holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Odessa Theological Seminary.

Keith Norris, MA

Director of Water and Sanitation Program
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Keith Norris is a water and sanitation strategist with extensive experience in construction and rural development. Keith joined World Hope in 2004 as the Water and Sanitation Program Director. Prior to this, Keith managed a construction business, and he also taught at the Wesleyan School of Theology in Indonesia. While in Indonesia, he founded a local NGO that focused on economic development and childhood education; this organization later became the implementing arm of World Hope in Indonesia. Keith holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury College, a master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Kentucky, and a master’s degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Keith is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.

Dr. Emelita Goddard

Director of Community Development and Agriculture
Location: Cambodia/Phnom Penh

Dr. Emelita Goddard is a community development strategist with more than 20 years of experience in design, management, monitoring, and evaluation of integrated community development programs for vulnerable communities and key affected populations in the Asia-Pacific Region. Throughout her career, Milet has maintained a special focus on at-risk women and children and survivors of gender-based violence. At World Hope, Milet is the organization’s lead strategist and program designer, responsible for setting and implementing the vision for programs to serve vulnerable communities throughout World Hope’s target countries. Prior to World Hope, Milet served as a consultant to USAID and France Expertise Internationale for the Global Fund’s Governing Body in Cambodia, World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, TEAR Australia, World Vision, and several other global development agencies. Milet holds a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in Technical Science in Aquaculture, which she received from the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand through scholarship grants from the British and Australian governments.

Haley Clark, MA

Director of Anti-Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence Program
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Haley Clark is a psychotherapist who specializes in trauma treatment. At World Hope, Haley directs the organization’s Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Gender-Based Violence Program strategy and activities. Haley originally joined World Hope in 2013 as the Clinical Supervisor for World Hope’s Trafficking in Persons Recovery Centre in Sierra Leone. Prior to this, she worked with children impacted by trauma and abuse in Seattle, Washington. Haley completed her clinical internship in northern Uganda, where she worked with former child soldiers. In Uganda, Haley co-founded an NGO that provides educational support to high school students. Haley holds a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

Allieu Samuel Bangura

Director of Health and Nutrition Program
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Allieu is a public health expert with more than 20 years of experience in public and community health solutions. At World Hope, Allieu directs the organization’s Health and Nutrition Program strategy and activities. Prior to World Hope, Allieu was Health, Nutrition and WASH Advisor with World Vision in Sierra Leone for seven years. Prior to this, Allieu worked as a senior manager for International Rescue Committee and Concern Worldwide. Allieu also worked as a Pediatric Clinician and as a Clinical Officer for the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone. Allieu holds a degree from the Paramedical School of the University of Njala; a post-graduate certificate in Tropical Community Medicine and Health and a degree in Community Medicine and Health from the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences in Sierra Leone; and a certificate in Public Health from Staffordshire University in the UK. Allieu is an MBA candidate with Robert Kennedy College for a graduate degree in Healthcare Management.

Gayle Rietmulder, CPA

Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Gayle Rietmulder is a Certified Public Accountant and finances professionally with 30 years of experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors. At World Hope, Gayle leads the accounting and finance teams and ensures transparency, accountability, and integrity within the management of donor and grant funds. Prior to joining World Hope in 2011, Gayle served in financial leadership roles with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, and Habitat for Humanity. Gayle has held top financial positions with companies in the restaurant and manufacturing industries. She has served as Board Chair and Treasurer for several non-profit boards. Gayle holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University.

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Republic of Sierra Leone

Country Overview

About Sierra Leone

Human Trafficking: Exploited Hope

Saidu Kanu Honored in Freetown

Elizabeth’s Gift: A Survivor Steps Forward

Sierra Leone Facts

Interested in going to Sierra Leone?

Upcoming Trips to Sierra Leone

Schedule a Trip

Schedule a Trip

October 7 - 18

October 7 - 18

October 20 - 30

October 20 - 30

October 31 - November 8

October 31 - November 8

Things You Need to Know

Resources

AN ORGANISATION YOU CAN TRUST.

K. Scott Drury, Esq.

Jill Gavin

Dr. Elshan Orujov

David O’Donnell

James Winn

Joshua Carter

Tanya Nace

Ruth Thomas

John Lyon, Esq.

Phil Smart, PhD

Heather Hill

Daniel Scott

Wayne MacBeth, MBA

Katie Kirkpatrick

George Beals, PhD

Talmage Payne

Faradhia Moise

Wellington Kollie

Saidu Kanu, MA

Sergiy Svystun

Keith Norris, MA

Dr. Emelita Goddard

Haley Clark, MA

Allieu Samuel Bangura

Gayle Rietmulder, CPA

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