Global Voices Online

Switsalone introduces the person behind Aschobi Designs in Sierra Leone: “Adama Kargbo is a 24yr old Sierra Leonean-American recent graduate of Parsons School of Design (Paris, France). She has recently returned to Sierra Leone from New York City to launch her first collection; ASCHOBI DESIGNS. This collection gives a modern twist to vintage 1960s African couture. Although she could have launched her collection anywhere, Adama chose her ancestral home as the birth place of ASCHOBI because of her unshakeable conviction in the rebirth and redevelopment of this country.”

Paul writes about an industrial project in Sierra Leone: “Binkolo Growth Centre is a small industrial project near Makeni where the manufacture of small farm implements, tailoring, carpentry and blacksmithing takes place, and includes the use of disabled people. I am assisting with the expansion of the centre to include food processing of local cassava and palm oil products. One of the Makeni City Councilors is the manager of the Binkolo Growth Centre and I think this project has good prospects for success.”

From School for Sierra Leone Project blog: “The Voice of Sierra Leone Association wants to start by supporting a school by buying furniture, toilets and schoolmaterials. After this they plan to build a school and a clinic in an area where there is no education and healthcare for children at the moment”

A Sierra Leonean blogger writes about her experience after moving back to Sierra Leone from USA: “I’ve been in Sierra Leone for 6 months now and I must say…its been hard, frustrating, humbling, and lonely. When I first got here my sense of purpose was strong and comforting. I knew I was here to make a difference and a difference I would make indeed.”

Sandra writes about bucket showers in Sierra Leone: “In my last post, I mentioned having to take a bucket shower. To some this may sound strange. But for most people in Sierra Leone, this is daily routine.”

Is China annexing Africa?:”The latest project to hit the headlines is a $5 billion offer from the Chinese government to fund roads, railways, hospitals and clinics in the African Congo. Elsewhere, China is already “the biggest investor in the Sudan,” says the Seattle Times. In Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, office blocks, military headquarters and a refurbished stadium are all the work of planners from Beijing. In Uganda, Chinese money built the new State House.”

Nasratha writes about presidential elections in Sierra Leone where the opposition candidate won: “Sierra Leoneans can finally breathe easy after 5 weeks of waiting for election results…Earnest Bai Koroma's All People's Congress has won the 2007 Elections.”

Creativity is what you need to start a business in Sierra Leone: “…many Diasporans are starting small businesses that are creative, money making, and meeting a need. Yesterday my mom took me to Bathurst Street to a Beauty Supply Store much like Sally's or anything Chinese owned hair products store on 125th Street in Harlem.”