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.
Koidu Academy originated from the need to create a local high school for the poorest children & youth living in Koidu, Sierra Leone. Through ongoing consultation and communication with local leaders, Finda Kamara (managing direct of the Pearl Dudek Centre orphanage) and Abraham Jimmy (former orphan, now project manager for the school build), the inception of the Pearl Dudek International Academy (PDIA) came to light. The guiding principles that formed the vision for the Koidu Academy, now reimagined in PDIA, remain the same – to provide excellence in education; to develop conscientious & compassionate adults; and to develop effective and ethical leaders.
The now named, Pearl Dudek International Academy is currently operational for kindergarten to Grade 6 students and will extend to Grade 12 within the coming years. Thank you for your ongoing assistance to provide a sustainable, exceptional, educational opportunity for our students, which is supporting them to flourish!
