Have you ever complained about having to go to school every day? Have you gone school supply shopping every year before school began? Now, I would like you to picture yourself not being able to go to school when you really want to; Not having a pencil and some paper to be able to do your work on when you need to.
What are YOU going to do when you find out that exact feeling of deprivation is going on every day around the world, and especially to fellow Muslim brothers, sisters, and families in Sierra Leone? Are you willing to help change that for young Sierra Leonean girls and boys in that real-life picture?
The West African country, Sierra Leone, went through a twelve-year civil war (1991-2002) which resulted in the deaths and maiming of tens of thousands. Francis Mo Roberts (formerly Mo Haidara), a native of Sierra Leone and FSU Law graduate, founded an organization called “Help Sierra Leone” to help the situation he saw upon his visit home. He said, “witnessing, firsthand, the daily plights of ordinary Sierra Leoneans, especially children, was very disheartening. During my trip, I visited schools, hospitals, orphanages, amputee camps and villages. These visits not only saddened and angered me, but they also motivated me to do all I can to help the people of Sierra Leone. I realized that with just a little help and generosity, we can change the life of children and families.” Check out pictures and more info: http://fsustudentbar.com/index.php/article/help_sierra_leone/ and http://www.jobeyme.blogspot.com/
Did you know that: with just $20, you can pay a grade-school child’s tuition for a full school year in Sierra Leone; with $50, you can pay for that child’s tuition and books for a full school year; and with $100, you can pay for that child’s tuition, books, uniform and shoes for a full school year.
The goal of this non-profit organization is to provide scholarships, food, clothes, shoes, school stationery and other necessities for the children and families of Sierra Leone. Education is at the heart of what Help Sierra Leone seeks to provide to children because it gives them hope in an otherwise hopeless society. Since its inception in 2007, Help Sierra Leone has offered over 100 full scholarships, donated money to local needy causes, donated rice to residents of a small village and an orphanage, donated clothes to new and expecting moms of a maternity hospital, donated shoes, bags, toys, and clothes to children and families.
I am calling on you all to join me and give what you can. Please donate and encourage your friends and family to do the same. With your help, not only can we send some children to school and feed some families, but we can actually change lives. I thank you in advance for your help and may Allah (swt) reward us all for even our smallest efforts!
So are your next $5, $10, or $20 going for candy, fast-food, shoes, accessories, etc. OR are you going to invest it in charity to be returned to you multiplied?
Safiah Afify
Muslim Youth for Truth Contributor
FSU Law Student
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