Where We Work : Sierra Leone

“In the face of overwhelming need, BRAC’s work has real potential to create opportunities for hundreds of thousands of families to stabilise their lives and build for the future.”

-Matt Bannick, Managing Partner, Omidyar Network

Sierra Leone is still recovering from over a decade of civil war that ended in 2002.  Though rich in diamonds and other natural wealth, the majority of Sierra Leoneans are unemployed, having to seek out livelihoods in the informal economy, and more than 70 percent live below the poverty line.

The West African country has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, while its infant mortality and fertility rates are among the worst. Illiteracy is high, and most people do not have access to credit, clean water, or basic health care.  

In 2008, BRAC launched a poverty alleviation initiative in Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Soros Economic Development Fund, Open Society Institute West Africa, Omidyar Network and Humanity United.

Our programmes include:

• Microfinance
• Livelihood Development
• Health

BRAC is also providing permanent jobs and career development for 91 Sierra Leoneans.