About Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a small nation in West Africa which is in the process of rebuilding after a brutal, decade-long civil war. Currently conditions within the country, while improving, are still among the worst in the world. Sierra Leone ranks lowest in the UN’s 2008 Human Development Index.

In Sierra Leone:

• 28% of children born in Sierra Leone die before their fifth birthday; the highest child mortality rate in the world.
• One in ten Sierra Leonean women dies from complications of pregnancy or childbirth, the highest maternal mortality rate in the world.²
• Only 57% of the population has access to improved drinking water.²
• 35% of adults are literate.³
• Women are half as likely to be able to read and write as men.¹
• 42 years is the average life expectancy at birth.¹

A democratically elected government was installed in 2007 and the country is slowly, but surely rebuilding. The administration has committed to create new infrastructure throughout its five-year term.

There is a great need for education in Sierra Leone. The lack of basic literacy skills prevents individuals from making the most of available opportunities. The lack of access to basic health information endangers the health of families and children.

IDEA is proud to work with the people of Sierra Leone to share knowledge and strengthen families and communities.

_{1 UNICEF 2006 Sierra Leone Country Report
2 UN AIDS 2007 Epidemic Report
3 2005 UNICEF Sierra Leone Country Report}

About IDEA
The IDEA Foundation believes that strong communities are built through education; that providing people with basic information empowers them to lead safer, healthier, and more prosperous live; and that supporting education will make it possible for future generations to thrive in a better world.

IDEA Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. IDEA is proud to sponsor programs in Sierra Leone which promote health and education. Contributions made to IDEA Foundation are tax deductable. For further information about our programs or how to support them, please contact us at: info@theideafoundation.org

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Email: info@theideafoundation.org
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