Finnish Refugee Council in Sierra Leone
Adult literacy class in the evening in Largo. Photo: Mikko Takkunen
The Finnish Refugee Council (FRC) has been providing adult education to returnee communities in Sierra Leone since 2003. By providing functional literacy training, FRC aims to help and support returnees and village communities in rebuilding their lives after war and refuge. Liberians living in refugee settlements have also been involved in the project.
Increased societal activities are a further goal in addition to increased literacy and improved living conditions. Literacy circles discuss and map problems in the community and make action plans for development. The training of facilitators is an important part of the projects, next to the support and promotion of literacy efforts through a series of programmes aired by the local radio station.
A post-conflict country suffers from a shortage of study materials and trained personnel. The Finnish Refugee Council’s projects are implemented in cooperation with local partner organisations in order to increase their capacities and to enable them to run their own literacy projects.
Close cooperation with the Ministry of Education facilitates material production, training and harmonisation of syllabus. Training and networking are vital for sustainable development and the continuation of project activities.
Alongside adult education, the Finnish Refugee Council started a new youth project for employment and training. This way young adults are given the possibility to improve their living conditions through vocational training. Project participants learn tailoring, woodwork, weaving, catering and hairdressing together with reading and other important skills such as healthcare, family planning, business skills and peaceful communication. Project activities are targeted at vulnerable youths.
Cooperation with local partner organisations
The Finnish Refugee Council has eight partner organisations in Sierra Leone. All partners are local NGOs working in the south. FRC provides capacity building and training as well as material support. Partner organisations have their own projects and FRC supports and coordinates these project activities.
Adult education is a response to requests from refugees and returnees. All partners work in these communities and thus know what is needed the most.
FRC activities are a part of a broader ensemble. An organisation that provides micro credit can, for example, combine literacy training with its existing activities. Literacy can also become a part of an agricultural development project. Training is always tailored according to complimentary activities and the needs of participants.
Partner organisations
SLADEA, the Sierra Leone Adult Education Association, is a nationwide volunteer organisation, specialised in adult education. They are mainly involved in the provision of technical training and the production of teaching and learning materials. They offer both technical and professional support to FRC partners. SLADEA also offers training in conflict solution and communication skills, which are both an important part of adult education.
NMJD, the Network Movement for Justice and Development, is an organisation concentrated on education and community development. Liberian refugee settlements with refugee training and empowerment projects form one of NMJD’s operational areas. The Focus is on gender equality.
CARD, Community Action for Rural Development, focuses on the development and support of rural villages; principally improved access to water, improved hygiene practices, and agriculture. Alongside with training activities CARD is involved in building water wells and toilets and in the provision of agricultural material and advice. Literacy training is adapted to the needs of farmers, who spell the names of farming tools and calculate the need of seedlings for the coming year.
Other partners include RADA, the Rehabilitation and Development Agency; SLBS, Sierra Leonian Broadcasting Service; ACODI, Agency for Community Development Initiatives; ISLAG, Islamic Action Group and CEDA, Community Empowerment and Development Agency.
The Finnish Refugee Council project in Sierra Leone is financed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs development cooperation funds and by donations from Finnish individuals.
