News

Heifer Sierra Leone Builds Relationship with U.S. Embassy

Heifer Sierra Leone’s Senior Team, led by the Country Director, Rashid Sesay, met with the U.S. Ambassador in Sierra Leone, Martin L. Cheshes, at his office in Freetown, the nation’s capital. The meeting was to share information about Heifer’s operations globally and Sierra Leone in particular. It was also attended by Mr. Abdul Massally-Kpakra (Political and Economic Advisor, U.S. Embassy), Mrs. Martha Thorpe (Finance and Admin Manager, Heifer Sierra Leone) and Mr. Valesius Koker (Senior Project Officer, Heifer Sierra Leone). More>>

FACTS ON HEIFER SIERRA LEONE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS

The main components of the projects are:

• Rearing of small ruminants: goats and sheep (4 animals per family)
• Promotion of food crops: rice, cassava, groundnut and vegetables (1 bushel per family). 
• Training of beneficiaries in Heifer Cornerstones, Leadership and Project Management, animal husbandry, crop production and Community Animal Health Workers.
• Sensitization on environmental issues, HIV/AIDS, gender and Water and Sanitation.
• Influencing systems, policies and practices that affect livelihood through advocacy. Readmore>>

Heifer Promotes Government of Sierra Leone’s Development Agenda 

On Tuesday, November 8, the Vice President of the Africa Area Program, Dr. Sahr 
Lebbie, officially launched Heifer Sierra Leone’s projects at a ceremony which took place 
in the northern district town of Port Loko. Readmore>>

Visit of Heifer International Vice President Africa Area Program (AAP)

The Vice President AAP, Dr. Sahr Lebbie visited Sierra Leone from Monday 21st to Friday 25th April 2008. During his visit, he was engaged in a series of meetings and interviews with both the print and electronic media. He held meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the FAO Country Representative, USAID Country Manager and the Chairman National Policy Advisory Committee.

In addition, he met with staff of the country office and held a separate meeting with the Country Director to discuss his expectations and the way forward. During the meeting with Heifer International Sierra Leone staff, Dr. Lebbie highlighted key issues pertaining to the development and growth of the office, the possible challenges that may be encountered by the country office. He encouraged staff to be especially mindful of the challenges in the identification of operational areas as well as during project implementation.

Launching of the Heifer International Sierra Leone Country Office

The launch of the Heifer International Sierra Leone Country Office took place on Thursday 24th April 2008 within the precincts of the office building. Up to 80 guests from government departments, international NGOs, local NGOs, the media, religious organizations, potential stakeholders and service providers were in attendance at the launching ceremony.

Statements were delivered by Heifer International Vice President Africa Area Program, FAO Country Representative – Mr Gamal M. Ahmed, and Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Representative – Dr Monty P. Jones and the Chairman National Farmers Association of Sierra Leone – Mr A.R. Conteh. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security – Mr Alie Mansaray delivered the keynote address. The ceremony was chaired by the Professor John Kamara - Chairman, National Policy Advisory Committee.

All guest speakers did mention the timely intervention of Heifer in Sierra Leone adding that Heifer will be the first NGO in Sierra Leone with a focus on livestock to complement government’s food security drive.