Sierra Leone was one of the stops of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emma Bonino’s visit to West African countries after Senegal and Ghana. During her visit we took part to the regional conference on the “abolition and moratorium on death penalty” organised by Hands off Cain.
On this occasion we, together with all the representatives of attending NGOs, had the chance to interact with the Minister, who was underlining the Italian Government commitment on specific issues of fighting against FGM, early and forced marriage and to support rural development and women in agricultural development as priority areas for funding “A ceremony that was well attended”
Our effort to find grants to finance the construction of a Drug Lab in Mabesseneh Hospital is still active, as we have just submitted a Concept Note to the European Delegation, so we have our fingers crossed!
Our Country Director is also in touch with the SRI international net work and Resources Centre, and plans are underway to attend the first regional workshop for West African countries in mid February and will also possibly present a proposal for funding on SRI methodology of rice cultivation and his manual and guide for SRI facilitators.