For the families living in the impoverished communities of Freetown flooding is a frequent occurrence during the rainy season. Because the communities are in the low lying, swampy area that forms a channel to the sea, flash flooding can happen during heavy downpours. 

The rainy season is May to November, but the heaviest rains occur in the months of July and August. The flash floods may occur multiple times during this season, and frequently occur at night when families are asleep. This leads to extreme stress, fear, and feelings of vulnerability. Experts predict that in the coming years the flooding is only going to get worse.

As the waters rush through the community, families lose everything they have; clothing, bedding, cooking utensils, food, and school books. Because petty trade (selling anything you can) is the only means for most of them to earn income, they also lose their businesses to the water. And sadly, lives are often lost. 

There are no emergency shelters In Sierra Leone, so families have nowhere to go to escape the rushing waters or subsequent wet housing. Sleeping in damp conditions, often on the bare wet ground, leads to sickness and disease. Children and elderly are especially vulnerable. Pregnant women also have a particularly difficult time during the heavy rains. Many of our students and teachers live in this community.

With the help of our supporters, we were able to quickly provide the following disaster relief in the most recent flooding:

• We distributed inexpensive raincoats to give people relief from the heavy rain
• Rice was distributed as food supplies were washed away with the flood.
• Toiletries were also distributed, especially soap wihich is needed because everything is covered in mud
• Finally we distributed dry clothing and bedding.

Although we are grateful to be able to provide relief in this way, we know that the only sustainable solution is to relocate families out of the flood zone. Our long term goal is a safe community, on 50 acres of land we have purchased on higher ground. 

In the meantime we are committed to helping these families by providing disaster relief, empowering the youth with education, and giving adults a means to earn a living and grow food for their families through farming.