Supporting the Women of Sierra Leone

I am heading to Sierra Leone, Africa this Sunday to document the stories of some courageous women who have endured some very difficult challenges. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) most recently ranked Sierra Leone 180th out of 187 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index. Here are some statistics that give you a snapshot of the life of an average woman in Sierra Leone.

- 70% of the people live below the poverty line
- 57% of the people live on less than $1 per day (can you live on $30 per month??)
- The life expectancy for the average woman is 59 years
- The average woman gives birth to 5 children – on average 2 will die before 5 years of age,

-  The average woman only goes to school for 6 years – if at all.
- 51% are undernourished
- Average annual income is $340
- While the average literacy rate overall is 35%, for women it is only 24%

The purpose of this trip is to provide skills training to the women who are a part of the Women of Hope International program.  I will be joining 4 women from the U.S.who will be  teaching how to make soap, jewelry, paper and crocheting using recycled T-shirts.  These products can be sold locally and in Fair Trade markets in the US, giving these women opportunity to generate a sustainable income for themselves and their families. 

Please keep me in your prayers as Sierra Leone is still a very distressed place.  I am looking for 12 people to pledge to pray for me each day, January 27th until February 8th.  If you'd be willing please leave a comment below.  Thanks!