| BIG IDEA | The Sierra Leone war lasted from 1991-2002, leaving 50,000 dead and half a million displaced. Already one of the poorest countries in the world, resources were scarce, and the war made everything even worse. Communities were destroyed, families lost homes and thousands of children were orphaned and living on the street with no one to care for them. The Child Rescue Centre (CRC) began as a faith-based feeding program, grew into an orphanage and later successfully completed the transition from residential to family-based care. Renamed the Child Reintegration Centre, they provide education and healthcare, and strive to ensure every child grows up in a safe, loving and permanent family. In this episode, Olivia Fonnie and Emmanuel Mohamed Nabieu (“Nabs”) tell their personal stories of the war and the hope provided by the CRC. |
| OUR GUEST(S) | Olivia Fonnie – Director of Child Integration Centre Olivia has lived her whole life in Sierra Leone. She holds degrees in Theology and Community Development, and certificates in teaching and social development. Olivia was married to her late husband, Samuel, for 26 years. She has an adult son, Aiyu, who is studying to become a doctor. What does she like best about being the CRC Director? "Meeting the children! And now I see them all the time! I only have one son, but I have so many kids," Olivia laughs. Emmanuel M. Nabieu (“Nabs") - Director of Mission Advancement and Partnership Helping Children Worldwide Nabs was one of the first children rescued by the CRC after the Sierra Leone civil war. The CRC sponsored him through University, and upon graduation he served the CRC for five years, first as the Sponsor A Child Coordinator, and later as the Program Director. Under his leadership, the CRC successfully transitioned from orphanage care to family-based care through meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders including Helping Children Worldwide. Nabs is passionate about keeping families together due to his experience of being separated from his loved ones. He is focused on creating a holistic future where vulnerable children and their families can thrive with dignity. |
| LEARN MORE | Google ‘Sierra Leone Civil War’ Visit Helping Children Worldwide - https://www.helpingchildrenworldwide.org Subscribe to the Optimistic Voices podcast, produced by Helping Children Worldwide to learn more about caring for vulnerable and orphaned children globally. |
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Love, the Bridging Cultures Podsquad