Page 75 - Phonebox July 2013

The meeting began with a thought provoking talk from Mike Flood, from Powerful Information. He described the plight of the disabled in Sierra Leone and explained what his organisation has been doing to help them since 2004. They are particularly concerned with women’s education, having set up learning circles aimed at building confidence and self esteem, and ensured that leadership training has made the organisations self suf cient. They have provided education and skills training for the visually impaired so that they can become useful members of the community without having to rely on their children for support. Mike told us the story of one blind woman who now makes soap and has a valuable role in her village. Many problems they had encountered were familiar to us, but their successes were impressive.The cutting of the Tenth Anniversary cake by chair Rachel Lintern and Rena Partridge, founder of the Link, preceded a break for refreshments.
The business meeting followed, with reports from the officers including Rachel, Chair of the Link, who reported that there was a slow start to the year, due to the elections in Sierra Leone, which
completely disrupted normal life there and made communication very difficult. Great success has been achieved with the development of the Skills Centre (now the Institute of Computer Studies), the repair of the water well and continued aid for the Health Centre. Unfortunately the Solar Suitcase intended to help by providing power for midwifery services has been impounded at the airport and as yet despite continued appeals to the government there, the US suppliers who sent it out and government departments here, it has not been released.
Claire Lintern sent a moving and comprehensive report about her time in Sierra Leone; she is teaching in Goderich, just outside Freetown and has been there for seven months. She described how the repair of the well made so much difference to people’s lives in Newton, and how essential fresh water was to prevent the spread of diseases such as typhoid and cholera. In Goderich they have piped water, but the supply is erratic and at the time she wrote they had just spent two weeks without water at the peak of the hot season. Imagine living so close to the equator and
Olney-Newton Link Annual General Meeting
being unable to shower or wash your clothes...She begged us not to give up and not to feel that the work we put in isn’t worthwhile. Little steps make all the difference in Sierra Leone and although instant results are not always seen the help is long term and the bene ts may be immeasurable. She truly believes that the Olney- Newton Link has played a part in improving the lives of ALL the community of Newton as well as that of Olney.
Claire will be coming back to the UK in July and we look forward to hearing all about her year.
With reference to the article by Geoff Baccus which appeared in last month’s Phonebox we would like to point out that the Olney- Newton Link is a Community Charity and NOT a Faith-based Charity. Our Trustees and supporters come from all faiths and none as do the people of Newton who we do our best to support.
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Phonebox Magazine 75