Children in Christ Services

Introduction

Children In Christ’s Services organization is geared towards caring for needy children (orphans, streetkids, disadvantaged and war affected children). We operate in the Tankatopa Makama Safronko (TMS ) Chiefdom in the Port-Loko District and the East-end of Freetown, Sierra Leone .

Our organisation was formed in 2006 and later certified by the government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Social Welfare

The organization has a school in Kambia village (TMS Chiefdom) in the Port Loko District (about 80 miles from Freetown). 45 children currently attend this school. The name of the school is CICS Primary School For Needy Kids.

The Environment:

The people who live in Kambia are of the Temne tribe. This is one of the 12 tribes in Sierra Leone. The Temnes live in the Northern part of Sierra Leone and they speak the Temne language. They are very friendly and welcoming, although poverty is high.

There are about 60-80 houses in Kambia village with a population of around 1000 villagers. There is no electricity supply and water is fetched from a well. 90% of the people in Kambia are Muslims but they are not fanatic. They are highly tolerant of other religions and very receptive to strangers, especially those who come to help them and their kids.

Language in the area: 85% speak Temne and 25% speak Krio and English.

There are 4 Schools in Kambia Village. 1 Junior secondary school and 3 primary schools.

98% of the people in Kambia are local farmers who live on subsistence farming.
Many houses and cattle in Kambia village were destroyed during the 11- year rebel war. Ten’s of people were killed.

The paramount chief for the TMS Chiefdom stays in Kambia.

Come and enjoy your volunteering time in CICS School in Kambia Village.

Who we need:

We are looking for volunteers to help fundraise in our main office in Freetown, and for volunteers who would like to help teach in the school in Kambia.

For the Head office we need:

•Volunteers who have an in-depth knowledge and experience in fundraising activities. You will fundraise for the organization to help the needy children and poor and aged.

For the school we need:

•Both male and female volunteers who love working with and for children. •Volunteers who have a flair for creativity. You will teach small classes in nursery.
•Qualified teachers and general volunteers are all welcome.
• Teachers who would like to organize in-service training for local staff.
• Volunteers with a medical background to work in the community clinic.
• Nursery specialists.
• Being able to learn foreign language is an added advantage

General attributes we expect from all volunteers:
• Anyone who is broadminded and ready to live a simple lifestyle in simple surroundings.
• Couples as well as small groups are welcome, likewise either gender.
• Both long and short term volunteers are welcomed.
• Qualified volunteers are especially encouraged !!.

What you can do beforehand:

Check out the ideas in the Treasure Hunt and think of as many creative things that you can do.

If you don’t have much experience teaching and if you have some free time, it would benefit you to get some experience planning lessons/units, teaching, and working with kids. Also the coordinator can help you out if you have any doubts about your suitability or how to fit into the classroom.

Accomodation

The accommodation for volunteers in Kambia village is more than satisfactory. There are mosquito nets over the beds and one volunteer to a room. There are 8-15 people living in the house and there are 3 girls and 5 boys between the ages of 3- 8 years.

Volunteer’s accommodation in Freetown is very good for foreign volunteers. There is a comfortable bedroom and one volunteer to a bed. The accommodation has a pit latrine but very clean and decent. The children normally have to walk 1-2 miles to fetch water. During the rainy seasons water for washing is collected from the house roof.

Accomodation and Food Costs:

Project Manager

Mr. Collins F. Rich is the volunteer coordinator for these projects (School and Admin office). He is also the social services officer for the National Christian Evangelical Mission in Sierra Leone. Collins is a computer hardware engineer. He is married. He is very receptive and accommodating and will communicate with you as you plan your trip to Sierra Leone.

CICS is concerned with caring for the elderly in Kambia.