The Facts

As recently as 2006, there was no general infrastructure in the vast majority of Sierra Leone including running water, electricity, roads, and functional buildings.

Sustainable development is truly about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In Sierra Leone, the needs are great but on a bigger scale, it’s crucial that after developing any buildings or projects the local community will gradually be able to support and sustain the project on it’s own. It’s about change not charity and empowering the people of the region with affordable and efficient resources, methods, and skills.

So how does SOSL address the sustainable development needs?

We’d like to introduce you to the incredible method of earthbag building that was created by architect Nader Khalili. Essentially, earthbag building uses materials such as rice bags, earth plaster (a mixture cement, clay and sand) and a thin layer of top cement, all of which are low cost and easily accessible to community members. The buildings are made without power tools, are projected to last up to 1,000 years, are aesthetically beautiful, are cheap and quick to build, and very eco-conscious. Due to the unique construction, they are naturally insulated to ensure that the interiors stay warm and dry during the rainy season and cool during the hot months.

As of spring 2010, SOSL has completed three sustainable building projects including the Muddy Lotus School (which is also the first sustainable school in Sierra Leone), the Cuttino Mobley Recreation Center and Basketball Court, and two brand new additional classrooms built just this spring for the Muddy Lotus School.

Currently being developed and built; the Adama of Dream’s school inspired by Adama, an expat from Sierra Leone based in Connecticut, who confided in fellow churchgoer Patti Cole that the 150-year-old village she was born in never had a school. Inspired by Adama’s story, Patti discovered Shine on Sierra Leone’s website and raised the $25,000 needed to build the school.

Next up for SOSL’s Sustainable Development Program is continuing the tradition that began this past spring when a group of phenomenal high school students from South Central Los Angeles and the Buckley School raised $25,000 for the new classrooms, went to Sierra Leone for 3 weeks, and built the actual classrooms. Continuing in 2011, we will have an annual 12 day trip to Sierra Leone for up to 20 volunteers where everyone get to know the local culture, the engaging people, and partake in building our future projects.