Frequently Asked Questions

 

What things should I bring when I come to Sierra Leone?

Personal: 

·        Light weight clothing like t-shirts, shorts, skirts as well as some long trousers.  It is very hot and humid here most of the time so clothing that is light is best.

·        A torch and spare batteries

·        Sun cream,  mosquito spray

·        Malaria medication

·        General first aid kit including thing like headache tablets

·        Mosquito net to sleep under

·        Mobile phone

·        Digital Camera

·        USB stick

Office:

·        Lap top (if you have one)

·        Stationery & IT materials such as mice, diskettes, memory cards, ink jets, etc for the ICT center (optional)

·        Old clothes for people in the provinces (optional)

Should I take out travel insurance when I come to Sierra Leone

YES! Travel insurance is very important where ever you travel, contact your local agencies in your home county and explain where you are traveling and for how long and they should be able to find a policy which will suit you.

Do I need a visa to come to Sierra Lone?

      Yes, every person except ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals entering the country needs a visa before entry.  Visa can be obtained from your local Sierra Leonean embassy.  You will need to contact them and have a letter from Peace Child Sierra Leone outlining the purpose of your visit.

How much money should I bring to cover my stay in Sierra Leone?

      This will depend on person to person.  On average you could safely budget on  about US$20 per week.

What is safety like in Sierra Leone?

The country has been recovering from a 10 year civil war for the last five years. Even though the country is still at one of the last places of the HDI of the UN and a lot needs to be done, the country has been very peaceful and stable.

Of course Sierra Leone such as every other country has low-level criminality and volunteers need to be aware that problems can occur and take care of their valuables and money at all times. In general the Sierra Leonean people are very friendly and welcoming.  People will greet you on the street where ever you go with enthusiasm and kindness and help wherever necessary. 

What are some of the health problems which might occur during my stay?

The most common problem facing all people in Sierra Leone is Malaria.  This can be prevented quite successfully by taking one of the types of anti-malaria medication.  It is best to visit your doctor prior to leaving to discuss the best choice of preventative medication.  All volunteers should also check on for the recommended immunizations required for this country eg. Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Diphtheria.  Many medications can be purchased in Freetown but it is recommended for volunteers to bring a supply of general medication with them.

Is there much of a night life in Freetown?

Most people are surprised to hear that there is a very large night life scene in Freetown.  There are many bars and night clubs which become very busy with Sierra Leoneans and ex-pats on the weekends.  There are a number of bars close to the volunteer accommodation

During weekends a lot of people spend their free time at one of the amazing beaches around the Peninsula of Freetown.

Travelling out of Freetown?

Volunteers will have opportunities to travel out of Freetown for work purposes.When we travel, we stay in home stays with close friends of Peace Child.  Many of our projects are conduced in Pujehun in the Southern Provenance.  

What is the weather like in Sierra Leone?

In general the weather is hot and humid with a maximum temperature of about  33C.  The hottest months are between January and March.  The wet season begins in April and continues through to September/October.  October through to December are the cooler months of the year.