“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world. . .
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” MARGARET MEAD
Mead’s words seemed to be the theme of the last week I spent in Sierra Leone. Once Dr. Maggi arrived, conversations flowed, ideas percolated and the wheels were set in motion.
Thanks to the energy, compassion and vision of a few committed Individuals, there are exciting opportunities ahead for health care in Sierra Leone. I am privileged to have been on the periphery of this circle of positive change and it appears as though I can be part of this new frontier as the future unfolds.
It has become increasingly clear for a variety of reasons (economic, social and logistical) that WAFF needed to move out of Freetown and head Up Country. There were many discussions and brainstorming talks as plans and ideas evolved.
My final weekend in Sierra Leone was spent assessing potential sites for WAFF throughout the central and eastern provincial districts . It was an extraordinary opportunity to see many hospitals and clinics first hand, as well as meet many key people in health care. Samuel Pieh works wonders with his endless supply of contacts and his cell phone which enabled us to pack in valuable meetings everywhere we went.
It seems as though we have secured an absolutely ideal location for WAFF in Bo, which could well become a prototype health center for all of West Africa. (More details to follow).
For everyone who has ever said that they wanted to work with me somewhere, this will be your opportunity in the months and years ahead. We definitely CAN & WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Sierra Leone. There will be volunteer opportunities for everyone and there should be safe and secure accommodation available too. It is all very exciting.
I will be in touch with all of you who have ever expressed an interest in volunteering (I have an ongoing list!) when I return to Maine. I will continue to do blog postings too despite not being "out in the world".
Meanwhile, I am in Paris for a few days enjoying the company of Philip and Monica. I am cushioned from too much culture shock at the moment, but will start exploring this amazing city on foot. . . ’tout suite’, right now. . .
Love, Helen
committed citizens can change the world. . .
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” MARGARET MEAD
Mead’s words seemed to be the theme of the last week I spent in Sierra Leone. Once Dr. Maggi arrived, conversations flowed, ideas percolated and the wheels were set in motion.
Thanks to the energy, compassion and vision of a few committed Individuals, there are exciting opportunities ahead for health care in Sierra Leone. I am privileged to have been on the periphery of this circle of positive change and it appears as though I can be part of this new frontier as the future unfolds.
It has become increasingly clear for a variety of reasons (economic, social and logistical) that WAFF needed to move out of Freetown and head Up Country. There were many discussions and brainstorming talks as plans and ideas evolved.
My final weekend in Sierra Leone was spent assessing potential sites for WAFF throughout the central and eastern provincial districts . It was an extraordinary opportunity to see many hospitals and clinics first hand, as well as meet many key people in health care. Samuel Pieh works wonders with his endless supply of contacts and his cell phone which enabled us to pack in valuable meetings everywhere we went.
It seems as though we have secured an absolutely ideal location for WAFF in Bo, which could well become a prototype health center for all of West Africa. (More details to follow).
For everyone who has ever said that they wanted to work with me somewhere, this will be your opportunity in the months and years ahead. We definitely CAN & WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Sierra Leone. There will be volunteer opportunities for everyone and there should be safe and secure accommodation available too. It is all very exciting.
I will be in touch with all of you who have ever expressed an interest in volunteering (I have an ongoing list!) when I return to Maine. I will continue to do blog postings too despite not being "out in the world".
Meanwhile, I am in Paris for a few days enjoying the company of Philip and Monica. I am cushioned from too much culture shock at the moment, but will start exploring this amazing city on foot. . . ’tout suite’, right now. . .
Love, Helen
2 comments:
hi,
its again remarable Helen what you have done in SL. i can recall all those deeds of you in AJK, which i witnessed by my self.
i must add serving the humanity/others is the real work in this world and only such acts will be counted/worthy in the world to come.
you are an energetic lady having strong embitions and will power.i must sum up that may you continue this work as many people need this. and may the circle of people like you stay with you till the end.
with best wishes and prayers.
Taimur Rafique
Abbottabad
Pakistan
Greetings from a fellow development specialist! I received an email from a friend today, with your name attached to it, commenting on your experience as a resident of Alaska. Was wondering if you could verify that you are the author?
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