Rebuilding Bumpeh Chiefdom after Sierra Leone’s civil war

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Rotifunk, the seat of Bumpeh Chiefdom, was devastated in Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war.  About 55 miles southeast of the capital, Freetown, Rotifunk was hit hard as rebel soldiers burned and looted their way to the capital.  Every building in the town of about 10,000 was burned except for a church and a mosque, and its people forced to flee. The town abandoned for several years.  The result:  total collapse of the socio-economic fabric, and a once bustling town found itself in abject poverty.

The war ended in 2001. Now a safe, peaceful, country, Sierra Leone is still, however, one where 70% of families struggle to survive in the aftermath of the civil war on $2 a day or less.   This is true for the rural community of Rotifunk and Bumpeh Chiefdom where agriculture is the main livelihood.

Back on its feet, Rotifunk has rebuilt itself to once again serve as the center of trade, education and health care for the area. Rotifunk is known for its lively Saturday market, where farmers and small traders from across the chiefdom come to sell their wares.  Fish from local  rivers are plentiful, as well as locally grown fruit and vegetables.   Rotifunk is preparing for its future by educating its children.  Four secondary schools are now operating, including all-girls and Islamic schools.

August 28, 2014 update: Latest up on Rotifunk’s first computer program.  We are turning a town tragedy into a triumph.  A community computer center is being built as I write this from the ashes of a rebel burned building. http://sherbrofoundation.org/2014/08/25/computing-center-roof-is-up/   This is all going on while the Ebola crisis rages.  Sherbro Foundation is helping Rotifunk and Bumpeh Chiefdom with a community-led Ebola prevention program that reaches down to the small village level.  You can help, too. Read on here.

296 thoughts on “Rebuilding Bumpeh Chiefdom after Sierra Leone’s civil war”

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    • Thanks, Maybelle. I’m late replying. Hope you’ve found more posts in the meantime – like the computer center going up. Unfortunately our latest effort is Ebola prevention funding….. Let’s pray that passes soon. Arlene

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    • Thanks so much for your comment. I’m glad you’re inspired to create your own site. If you read my last post (“FAQ’s and I’m-not-a-blogger”), you know I’m writing in support of a purpose that’s bigger than me, and that’s so important. I write to convey info on my nonprofit organization. To the extent I’m creative, that comes from my sense of purpose and commitment to our work in Sierra Leone. It’s not just a transient, wouldn’t-it-be-nice-if-I helped-people-in-Africa idea. Or whatever’s been going around in my head this year.

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