Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea in the north, Liberia in the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean in the southwest. Sierra Leone covers a total area of 71,740 km2 (27,699 sq mi)and has a population estimated at 6,296,803

 

Christians are estimated to comprise 30% of the population of Sierra Leone. Islam (60%) and African indigenous religions (10%) make up the rest of the population. The Sierra Leone constitution provides freedom of religion and the government generally protects this right and does not tolerate its abuse.

Today, Young Life in Sierra Leone consists of clubs in 5 schools, 24 volunteer leaders and an average of 250 kids going to club per week.

"In my first time with the Liberian team and staff in 2004, they said that their vision was to reach all the kids in Liberia then send leaders to Sierra Leone, other parts of west Africa and eventually even to the US.  We prayed for YL in Sierra Leone that day and they have been praying fervently
since.

 

In January 2008, after the Orlando conference the Senior African Staff-Deo, Irene, Alexis, Simon and I--went on a tour of friends in the southeast.  In Atlanta, Todd and Susan Peterson introduced us to Richard Wernicke who helped start the Sierra Leone International Mission School (SLIMS). Richard invited us to come start YL at his school.  In April of 2008 James Davis and Zinnah Yallah traveled by bus from Monrovia, Liberia to Freetown, Sierra Leone. 

 

Richard had gathered some potential YL leaders from among the teachers at SLIMS to be trained.  James and Zinnah did YL leader training and gave them the vision for kids in Africa.  Among the group was Maurice who rose to the top as the leader along with his partner Patrick Lavahun.  Patrick and Maurice then went to Monrovia for further hands on training then went back in May 2008 and started the first YL work in Sierra Leone at SLIMS.  One year ago this week."