Mission Direct - Volunteers helping the world's poor

My Story

I will never be the same again after visiting Sierra Leone. It's made me feel like it's not as hard as you might think to make a difference in life.

Rachel Collinson, Sierra Leone volunteer

What was your first impression of Sierra Leone?
As a nation, it looked like a teenager's bedroom - that's the only way I can describe it. Everything was unkempt and shambolic. The city was full of half-finished buildings and other projects. But at the same time there was this incredible buzz - there was always something happening.
How were conditions in the current City of Rest home?
I was shocked: The rooms were all in a basement with no natural light. Eight men were together in one room on bunk beds, some of them shackled to their beds with chains. It sounds like something out of Charles Dickens, but I realised that the workers cared deeply about the people they were looking after - the chains were the only way they could restrain violent or unstable residents or stop them escaping to find drugs. And the residents really wanted to be there and to be helped.
How did you find the residents?
They were so happy to see us and offered us sweets. It was so touching, as they have so little. There was a real sense of hope. In Sierra Leone, everybody asks you to be their friend.
What did you do while you were there?
I did a lot of talking and getting to know people. Despite having a terrible civil war, they have managed to forgive and trust people again. It's so easy to get into a conversation about anything - so many people I spoke to were funny and articulate and desperately wanted to help their country regain its former glory.
How has the trip affected you?
I will never be the same again. It's made me feel like it's not as hard as you might think to make a difference in life. There is desperate poverty and suffering, but I really was able to do something about it, and can do again. I feel less remote and more involved.
Who would you recommend the Sierra Leone trip to?
Sierra Leone is definitely for you if you are a people person. Be prepared to hear people's stories and do a lot of talking. That's what most people in Sierra Leone want more than anything - just to be heard.
How do you think the Mission Direct volunteers were making a difference?

Firstly, by being a listening ear. There is a lot of hurt and trauma from the war, and people are helped tremendously if they can talk about it to somebody who cares.

Secondly it is really exciting to see the new premises taking shape. When it is finished their lives will be transformed.

As a result of the trip, we have all started to donate money to projects in Sierra Leone. Since coming back to England I have heard directly from people who were on the brink of death and Mission Direct donations actually saved their lives. I can't think of any bigger difference than that.

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Rachel Collinson

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Healing for a wounded people

Whether you are wedging yourself in next to a woman with a chicken under each arm on the packed and noisy Freetown ferry, or listening to victims of the Civil War at the City of Rest drug rehabilitation centre, a trip to Sierra Leone will challenge and transform you. But just as important; the opportunities that you will have to change the lives and the circumstances of the people you meet are immense.

Sierra Leone is officially the World’s poorest nation. It is in recovery after a brutal civil war. But it is now safe and stable with a democratic government. However the people long for healing and restoration. Come with Mission Direct and become part of the healing process.

Contribution: £1,495

Apply now

 

jackie_johnsonCall Jackie Johnston in the Luton office
8am - 5.30pm
Mon - Fri
to apply or find out more.

t: 01582 72 00 56

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