A Beacon of Hope the Haven for Orphans and Widows Supports Vulnerable Children in SL

By: Lansana Fofanah

Sierra Leone, located on the West Coast of Africa, is best described as a nation of resilient people. This small West African country endured a ten-year civil war from 1991 to 2002, marked by unforgettable atrocities that led to immense loss of life and human suffering. The scars and memories of that war continue to resonate throughout the nation.

The outbreak of the Ebola virus in 2014, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, caused unimaginable devastation, particularly in rural communities where access to health facilities was severely limited. Despite the government’s tremendous efforts to revive the nation, the plight of orphans and widows remains a pressing concern across the country. According to Statistics Sierra Leone’s 2017-18 report, 25% of children do not live with their parents, while 13% have lost one or both parents.

This is the heartbreaking reality for 12-year-old Marie Turay, who was born blind in Rogberka village, located in the Magburaka district—one of the poorest areas in the country, with limited economic opportunities. Marie’s hope for a better future was shattered when she lost both parents during the Ebola outbreak. She was left to be raised by her grandmother, who relies on handouts from community members for their survival.

Marie faces daily challenges in a society that is already difficult for those with disabilities. Her story caught the attention of philanthropists Dale Bourassa and his friend William Cook, who were in the country to assess potential areas of intervention, particularly in support of orphans and widows. In 2014, Bourassa and his Allied Mining and Supplies company constructed the Rogberka Primary School, which now serves as a learning center for more than four villages nearby.

During their visit, Dale and Bill discovered Marie’s ambition during a brief interview. “I want to be a health worker, but I was told that wouldn’t be possible without education. I know I am blind, but I believe all is not lost for me, as my classmates make learning interesting by singing daily lessons for me to memorize,” the determined Marie shared with hope.

Braille is a common learning tool for the visually impaired in some parts of the country, but Marie never imagined she would have access to it, making her situation feel even more desperate. Her touching story inspired the Haven for Orphans and Widows to contact the headmaster at the Milton Margai School for the Blind in Freetown immediately.

Mr. Bourassa informed Marie that she had been accepted at the Milton Margai School and would be traveling to Freetown to attend. Her first question was whether she would have to walk over 130 miles, as she had never been in a vehicle before and couldn’t even describe one. Dale and Bill reassured her that she would have her first ride in a vehicle to Freetown and everything would be fine.

The Haven for Orphans and Widows received approval from Headmaster Salieu Turay, who confirmed that there was a place for Marie at the school. The next day, with financial support from Dale and Bill, the Haven facilitated Marie’s trip to Freetown, where she met Headmaster Turay. The medical report from Connaught Hospital further underscored the necessity of enrolling Marie at the school for a better chance at education.

Marie’s first week in Freetown was filled with curiosity. “Since I came here, there has been nonstop vehicle movement and honking of horns, which is rare in my village. You can only hear the sound of an ‘Okada’ motorcycle once in a while,” she said with a laugh.

Thanks to the Haven for Orphans and Widows, Marie has successfully enrolled at the Milton Margai School for the Blind. According to Dale Bourassa, the Haven exists to provide equal opportunities for every child. “This is why we want to establish the Haven for Orphans and Widows in Sierra Leone—to help orphans and provide livelihood support. The Bible mentions the need to care for widows and orphans six times, and we hope to work in that direction,” he stated.

Bill Cook expressed gratitude to the headmaster of Milton Margai School for the Blind for realizing Marie’s dream and assured the school that the Haven for Orphans and Widows remains committed to changing the lives of Marie and other vulnerable children in Sierra Leone. Today, thanks to their support, Marie has been placed among her peers at the Milton Margai School for the Blind, where she will have access to the necessary facilities to help her realize her dream.