For their 2004 project, 1,000 ODW-USA students took a vote and selected the "Life Schools for Advancement" proposal submitted by Life for Relief and Development in Southfield, Michigan. The winning proposal was one of five considered for support by the students. According to Zarinah El-Amin, International Program Coordinator for Africa at Life for Relief and Development, "having been afflicted with a terrible and senseless civil war, the people of Sierra Leone are in dire need but they also have a great spirit. This project, although not yet completed, is already helping to build hope amongst the people who have lost so much."

Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world with an average annual per capita income of just $150.00. The country is struggling to overcome the devastation left by 10 years of internal civil conflict which left immense physical and psychological damage. Thousands of buildings, including administrative offices and schools, were destroyed and over half of the population's youth has experienced lengthy interruptions in their education.

This project will work towards bringing back a positive life to the communities through economic development that will include encouragement, support and provisions for a clean, safe and healthy learning environment.

Of the five proposals received for consideration this year, it is important to note that the ODW-USA students felt every one of them was worthy of funding and would make a tremendous difference in the lives of youth.

A letter informing Ms. El-Amin of the students' decision can be read here, as well as her response to the ODW students.

With everyone involved in gathering resources, we came up with a number of items to help inform the students about the country they selected, as well as the culture and customs of the people. These resources include a list of websites; a bibliography on Sierra Leone; and recipes.

Please see below for pictures of the students, schools and communities in Sierra Leone that will be affected by the project. Thank you for your support!

For a quick review of Sierra Leone, click on USAID's sites at:

• http://www.usaid.gov/gn/sierraleone/
• http://www.usaid.gov   USAID Keyword: Sierra Leone

Children of Ronurie Click here for larger version	Classroom of Ronurie Click here for larger version
Closest Water Well to school in Ronurie Click here for larger version	Photo of Inside Boys dorms at War Orphans Primary School Click here for larger version
Entertainment - Ronurie Click here for larger version	Kenema Islamic Secondary School Click here for larger version
Meeting with Ronurie community Click here for larger version	Photo of School - Ronurie Click here for larger version
War Orphans Primary School Children Click here for larger version	School Site in Ronurie Click here for larger version

ODW Students and Advisors may post further information they’ve gathered about the project here: http://forums.info.usaid.gov/~odw-forum/

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