MY GIFT OF GIVING EXPERIENCE – BY YVONNE GARCIA

At the beginning of October, I was given the opportunity to travel to Freetown, Sierra Leone with the Tebbs Second Chances project. The purpose of the trip was to personally distribute the stationery donated to the children at the two schools highlighted previously by Tebbs.

Having never been to Sierra Leone or indeed Africa, or taken part in this type of activity, I looked forward to the trip with excitement and a little trepidation. I was unsure of what to expect but had been advised that if I went with an open mind and heart I would enjoy myself. And so it turned out to be.

My abiding memories will be of the constant hustle and bustle on the streets, where all of life’s activities seem to take place, the wonderful welcome of all the people I met, the beautiful beaches, the chimpanzee sanctuary, the zest for all night partying, the crazy drivers – I could go on and on.

But the most affecting aspect was actually going to the schools and seeing how something so basic as stationery can have an effect on the young children. At the two schools we visited, Hi Lance and Fattah Rahman, we were greeted by well behaved children and enthusiastic teachers.

Before going I was concerned about how we would be viewed, “who do they think they are, dropping in handing out goodies as if that will solve all our problems” sprang to mind. But the reality is, if given in the right way, for the right reasons, any little help is welcomed.

The children at the schools were interested in us, listened intently to Fiona (Founder of Tebbs SC) and Lou (of the Louminati Foundation, Partners on this year’s drive) and vied with each other to have their pictures taken by us visitors.

Another highlight was revisiting the schools from last year’s stationery drive. You know you make a small difference when both children and teachers remember you and Fiona should be proud of what she has achieved in so short a time. We were even asked to make a visit to a school that had heard about what Tebbs SC were doing and would like to be considered for assistance in the future.

It was also interesting to work in partnership with the Louminati Foundation from America. Lou Cole, the founder, is a driven individual intent on helping young people through various methods. We also had the opportunity to meet with an organisation called Aucayd (Artists united for children and youth development) in Freetown.

This group is made up of young people working with young people to improve their prospects and address social issues such as teenage pregnancy, aids and social exclusion.

They focus on using media to promote awareness and change and were prepared to look at partnership working in the future. The opportunities are there to grow and improve.

Sierra Leone is not without its problems and you cannot fail to notice that extreme poverty lives next door to wealth but during my trip I met many people, especially young people striving to make a difference and I would encourage anyone given the opportunity to visit this beautiful, busy, noisy place (but beware the mosquitoes and okadas!)

My thanks to Fiona and Tebss SC for giving me this opportunity.