Welcome to the official website for Friends of Senehun Ngola

News
On a genetic trail to her African roots, a Florida woman received a joyous welcome in a Mende village in Sierra Leone's lush rainforest.

During a three-day visit to this rice-farming community, men carried Barbara Morrison-Rodriguez of Tampa, Fla., in a hammock supported on their heads, a ride reserved for chiefs. Women served her heaping piles of red rice, spicy cassava leaves and fish. Children followed her, squeezing her fingers in their tiny hands. To the sounds of drums, people danced and sang just for her. Read more.
Welcome to Friends of Senehun Ngola
The 10 year civil war in Sierra Leone did significant damage to the already fragile educational structures in the country.  Because of its proximity to the border with Liberia, the little village of Senehun Ngola was hit hard and hit early by rebels crossing into Sierra Leone from Liberia.  

When we visited my ancestral homeland a year ago ( March, 2005) We had the opportunity to meet with the village elders to ascertain what we (returning tribesmen born in the African diaspora created by the slave trade) could do to help most.  Two items emerged:
  • Repair the school so that it is functional and expand the building to create additional classroom space for more children
  • Build a health center complex to address the alarmingly high rates of infant and maternal mortality (related to childbirth).
This dialogue lead to the creation of this organization to address the educational and health needs of the people who live in Senehun Ngola.  

All of the founding Board members have evidence through DNA testing or historical documentation of Sierra Leone ancestry, specifically among the Mende people. For us this organization is a way to reach back and reach forward in honor of our enslaved ancestors and the families they left behind.

The organization has tax-exempt status under article 501 ( c ) 3 of the Unites States tax code meaning that all donations are tax-deductible for United States citizens.

Donations
Donations by mail can be mailed to:

Friends of Senehun Ngola in Sierra Leone
P.O. Box 403
Lutz, FL 33548-0403

All donations are fully tax deductible for US citizens.
© copyright Friends of Senehun Ngola in Sierra Leone, Inc. 2006 (site design by BrixTec)