• In the spring of 2022, through the generosity of a major donor, solar panels were installed at the school. The teachers and students had access to lighting as well as a television to assist them in their learning. Unfortunately, a break-in resulted in the theft of the solar panels and television in late September. The country is undergoing significant unrest. Food costs have risen by 50% over the past two years.
• Because of the generosity of a major donor, a playground will be built adjacent to the school and a sports program will be implemented. Thank you! This is a major project.
• Many thanks to the generous donors who support the orphanage and school through monthly donations and with one-time donations for special projects. You are making a real difference in the lives of many children. You are appreciated!
• The orphanage continues to encourage academic excellence. Our objective is to enable our children to support themselves and to be leaders in their country. Two former children from the Pearl Dudek Centre are now University graduates and are currently successfully employed.
• A few very generous donors provide funding for post-secondary education of some of the children. The total cost of tuition, books, food, and accommodation is approximately $1500 to $2000 per year. If the spirit moves you, and you have the financial means you may be interested in supporting one or more of the children in their post-secondary education. Contact Maureen at 204-770-5045 or email slam@accountabledevelopment.org for more information.
Accountable Development Works (ADW)’s SLAM Project in Sierra Leone, West Africa, needs committee volunteers. ADW believes in empowering local actors and projects, and has won recognition from the Canadian, UK and EU governments as a model of best practices in International Development. We believe projects must be accountable to beneficiaries to be effective and sustainable. Those closest to the effects of decisions should be making them.
We are looking for International Development students to contribute energy, ideas, and social media skills. We can offer valuable, high-level project management experience through participation in our Canadian-side project committee. Site visits to Sierra Leone and related opportunities are also available, though most of the project management work is done right here in Winnipeg.
In March 2022 the Pearl Dudek International Academy held a day to familiarize parents and local dignitaries with the progress of the recently constructed school. Speeches were given and the children provided a short program for the entertainment of all.
In April, 2022 Jason traveled to Sierra Leone. While there he visited the orphanage and school, taking the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of two role models and former residents of the Pearl Dudek Centre. Abraham Jimmy graduated in early in 2021 with a MPhil. Degree in Health System research and management and is currently employed as a lecturer at the University of Makeni. As well, he provides financial guidance, budgeting and support to the orphanage and school. Finda Gbembo graduated in early 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. She is currently employed with Lion Mountain Agriculture as a Junior Accountant. As well she provides mentoring and support to others in the orphanage, encouraging them to dream big and achieve even more. Below are a couple of inspiring two minute videos of the orphanage and Jason’s visit.
In 2006, after her parents died, Finda Gbembo entered the Pearl Dudek Centre. Since then she has worked hard and excelled in academic studies, graduating in 2022 from Sierra Leone’s top University, the University of Makeni with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. Currently employed as a junior accountant at Mountain Lion Agriculture, she is being mentored by senior staff. Mountain Lion Agriculture has agreed to provide Finda with a full scholarship to achieve a Masters in Business Administration after effective, hard work with them for one year. Finda also sets a great example by mentoring other girls at the Pearl Dudek Centre, encouraging them to set goals and dream big. Finda dreams of eventually becoming an entrepreneur and starting her own business.
A tree can grow and produce fruit even when, by all appearances, it does not stand a chance. Humans too have shown resilience, growth, and excellence even when faced with seemingly unsurmountable obstacles. No matter what obstacles are in your way, determination, hard work, and faith in God will help you reach your potential as a contributing member of society.
Prior to commencing classes in the new Pearl Dudek International Academy (PDIA) this September, we had to have fully operational washrooms and a well. We were blessed to have a major donor come forward with a much appreciated $7000 gift which fully funded the well and washrooms. Thank you to all supporters. Without you, this miracle would not be possible. We expect it will be about three years before the PDIA will be self-funding; thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. You may support SLAM by designating your donation through the parish of St. Bernadette; you may make an electronic transfer of funds from your bank to slam@accountabledevelopment.org; or if you are able to generously commit to a monthly withdrawal from your bank account, please follow these instructions.
The last twenty months have been very productive. Thanks to your prayers and financial support, we have built the Pearl Dudek International Academy (PDIA) in Sierra Leone. On September 7, the school bells rang for 80 eager students – Nursery school to Grade 5. Operating an orphanage while starting a school in the middle of a global pandemic has presented us with financial challenges. We expect it will be about three years before the PDIA will be self-funding; therefore, your continued prayers and financial support are appreciated. You may support SLAM by designating your donation through the parish; you may make an electronic transfer of funds from your bank to slam@accountabledevelopment.org; or if you are able to generously commit to a monthly withdrawal from your bank account, please follow these instructions.
