Paul's experience with Peace Child

Hi I'm Paul from Leeds, UK. I stayed for 4 months Feb to June 2006 as a volunteer for PCSL.

Prior to working in Sierra Leone I was uncertain on what to expect. As with many UK citizen’s, my preconceptions were shaped by news reports and university studies focusing on conflict, instability, and underdevelopment. This made for a quiet apprehension as I stepped off the Astraeus plane into the intense heat of Lungi airport, Freetown. However, since the commencement of my internship at PCSL the reality on the ground conveys a slightly different, more nuanced, understanding of the complexities of life in Sierra Leone. Yes, there is crippling poverty, high youth unemployment, underdevelopment, and dissatisfaction with government/politics. However, there are also the people of Sierra Leone; enthusiastic, hugely accommodating, and colourful, they represent the real life and soul of the country. There are also the sparkling palm tree lined beaches, some of the best in the world!, and lush beautifully forested provincial districts which represent literally a whole world away from the congestion and unkempt environment of Freetown. Clearly, the scars of war still loom large, present in the majority of the citizen’s life stories, and constitute Sierra Leones history. The future however promises a new chapter engendering real optimism and hope. 

Working for PCSL has proved stimulating, challenging and rewarding, if at times frustrating. Working for a small organisation provides a real insight into a whole range of different angles constituting the development process; from conducting research within Freetown and the Kailahun and Pujehun Districts, to writing project proposals, to meeting various grassroots youth/women organisations, and debating development politics - an interns life is varied! From the start, an intern is expected to ‘get stuck in’ as part of the team – though help and support is always at hand! The drawbacks relate to the intense competition for, and lack of, funds and general issues that confront a small grassroots organisation requiring patience and understanding. The fight to alleviate poverty and foster meaningful development is massive and the realisation of these goals will, regrettably, take years. Nevertheless, by working for Peace Child it is possible to contribute, in a small way, to this ongoing initiative.  

The experience overall has been fantastic and is well recommended!