Five years ago, we partnered with the Faith Healing Development Organization (FHDO) in Sierra Leone, and together, we’ve been empowering smallholders to boost their harvests and build thriving small businesses each year. It’s rewarding to see such positive change in the community!
FHDO district coordinator Pastor Francis A.B Rogers shares the impact stories of three beneficiaries who have literally seen their lives, and the lives of their children, transformed through their participation in the agricultural training program made possible thanks to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®.
Nafisatu Mansaray: A Mother’s Path from Desperation to Hope
Nafisatu Mansaray was happily married to her husband in their small village of Junctionla in the Bonthe District until she gave birth to two children.
They had been living as farmers until he abandoned Nafisatu and their children.
“All efforts to trace the husband to at least shoulder the responsibility of the children proved futile,” reported Pastor Rogers. “Conditions became unbearable for her to the point that she started working and running errands for people just to feed herself and her two kids.”
Nafisatu told us, “I wanted to start a backyard garden so as to raise money to send my two kids to school, but I had nowhere to start and no one to help.”
But that was before she approached FHDO staff who were visiting her village and explained her sad story, expressing her desire to engage in agriculture with the little traditional knowledge.
Nafisatu was registered and underwent the training program, and was provided with tools and desired seeds.
“I never had any knowledge to start a business on my own, but with the knowledge and support I got from the FHDO training program, I have been able to produce enough groundnuts (peanuts) and corn to sell.
“I now have food for my children and hope to send them to school this year.
“I now own a small business with the funds I raised from the sales of my farm products.
“I am so thankful to God for his mercy upon my children and me.
“I do not have to labor for anyone again to care for my kids, our living conditions have changed, and I can’t wait for the next farming season.”
Joseph Benjamin: When Opportunity Meets Determination
Joseph Benjamin grew up in a polygamous family, and because his father could not care for all the children he bore from various women, Joseph dropped out of school at an early age and survived by becoming an “errand boy” in the community.
About 10 years ago, Joseph gave his life to Christ at a crusade event organized by a local church ministry and following the event, he explained his situation to the head pastor, who decided to help him go back to school and resume his education.
After high school, he enrolled as a volunteer community teacher in his village of Mogbwemo in the Bonthe District, as there was no more support for his education, as the pastor was also struggling to pay for the education of his own children.
It was at this most desperate time for him that Joseph got involved in backyard gardening in order to put food on the table.
“I registered for government agricultural assistance, which never came, “ Joseph lamented.
He was selected by the FHDO team in his village and registered for training in the agricultural project.
With the knowledge and assistance he received, Joseph was able to plant multiple crops, including corn and groundnuts.
With the assistance he received, Joseph was able to start selling his surplus crops and “I am planning to set up my business so as to minimize my struggles”, he told us.
“He expressed his joy at God’s intervention by bringing this project to their village,” reported Pastor Rogers.
Today, Joseph’s story has become an inspiration to many others.
“The change in his living conditions has attracted other youths in his village who are jobless and are already pleading with our field staff to please include them in next year’s program,” stated Pastor Rogers.
Madam Musu Lelleh: She Had Nothing Left—Until the Harvest Came
Madam Musu Lelleh’s husband died five years ago in their remote village of Mondagba, “leaving nothing behind for the poor widow to fall back on for the welfare of her three children,” reported Pastor Rogers.
Given her family’s dire circumstances, Madam Musu was among the 75 women and youth selected to be trained and provided with tools as part of the women and youth empowerment project implemented by FHDO with funding made possible by the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®.
Pastor Rogers told us that she had been involved in groundnut farming for many years, but harvested so little she could barely feed her children and herself, not to mention footing the education bill for her children.
She describes the training, tools and supplies she received as “Godsent and very timely,” and says it motivated her to start planting multiple crops in addition to groundnuts.
“She has been able to sell her wares and raise money not only to feed the children but also to fund the school bills and get her children back to school as they had dropped out due to lack of money,” he told us.
“She expressed her sincere gratitude to God, Bread and Water for Africa® and FHDO for coming to her rescue with her children.”
This year, Bread and Water for Africa® aims to empower 100 aspiring farmers in Sierra Leone through comprehensive training programs designed to enhance their agricultural skills and knowledge. By equipping these individuals with essential farming techniques, sustainable practices, and resources, we hope to help families improve their livelihoods and contribute to food self-sustainability in the region. Our initiative focuses on addressing local food security challenges and fostering economic resilience among communities, ultimately leading to a healthier and more prosperous Sierra Leone.
