Awe-Inspiring Moments in Sierra Leone Sharing Rosario Dawson’s Incredible Philanthropy

A handful (A LOT, actually) of pictures from my trip to Sierra Leone with Rosario Dawson and Shine on Sierra Leone.

When I tell people I went to Sierra Leone, some ask exactly where it is. In case you are wondering where, it’s right here.

We spent half the trip in the diamond region of Kono.

Shine on Sierra Leone focuses on empowering people through education.

The 11-year long Sierra Leone Civil War resulted in the destruction of 1,270 primary schools.  In 2006, Shine on Sierra Leone built a school with the community and named it Muddy Lotus.  It is now one of the top 10 schools in the country!

First day at arriving at Muddy Lotus. I’ve never had such a warm welcome by strangers in my life. I wish I had more pictures from this moment but I was too busy taking it in…and crying.

We all got to teach for a couple days. Chad & Fallon taught the kids yoga and they LOVED it.

This was my class – Kindergarten. Aren’t they CUTE? I just about died.

My sister taught grammar. Her teaching style reminded me of our mom. I giggled.

Because of Rosario, the school now has a library.

I really connected with Fanta – a beautiful 11 year old. Eager to learn, sweet as can be, and she took great care of her little brother. She was going home from school and I thought this was the last time I was going to see her, but she actually came back with her mom because she really wanted me to meet her. It was the sweetest thing.

Tara came to visit the school 6 months prior and substituted a class for a teacher who was pregnant. The teacher was so thankful that she named the baby after her. This was their first time meeting.

Our visit to the local maternity ward.  Dr. Dan is the man.

Rosario’s mom (“Big Mama”) loving her life.

 Road trip. Heading west.

John Obey Beach – a little slice of Paradise.

We stayed at TribeWanted‘s eco-friendly village. These were our rooms. 🙂

Bucket showers never felt so good.

He was making fun of me…

Mark, the manager at TribeWanted, hard at work.

 I swear my sister was going to put her in a suitcase and bring her home.

 Momo got a boo boo.

Last day – we hiked to Black Johnson Beach.

 

Besides all the obvious beauty you experience while traveling, nothing compares to the bonding.

Life changing 2 weeks. I see the world with new eyes and am very thankful for the experience. Thanks to everyone who shared it with me.

This Post Has 26 Comments

  1. Trinette

    Why do I look at your posts at work!?? Tears!! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing experience with us. I can’t imagine the love and admiration that these children have for you – and you for them. Absolutely beautiful and heartwarming!

  2. Bonnie

    Best. Post. Ever.

    This made me especially happy and weepy to read about. It’s wonderful to be able to see a glimpse of you (and Crystal’s) journey through your photos.

    You inspire me.

  3. teri

    OH…MY…Gosh….fabulous and so warm. I esp like the picture of the kindergarten class and the little girl in the background giving two ‘peace’ signs :-)…I dont even know these people and I even got weepy! *hug*

  4. Ivy

    I smiled, giggled and cried reading this post and experiencing the adventure through your eyes. Thank you for sharing your story, your gift, and best of all, yourself. You’re so amazing. <3

  5. T

    Precious, precious, precious…Heartwarming!!!!!

  6. Tiffany Persons

    AMAZING…I am so happy we had this experience together. What an perfect capture of what we experienced…thank you

  7. Hassanatu Hawkins

    Thank you for sharing your story to Sierra leone! this is my birth country but have never seen it in this light.it lovely.! thank you xxx

  8. Jessica D

    I can see the inspiration oozing though your work. Beautiful in every way. I’m so proud of you!

  9. Ibrahim Tunkara

    Amzing. May you receive strenghth to cotinue doing what you do best.

  10. Robin

    I love it auntie Tiffany! I promise I will take a trip with you in the future and get involved in the fundraising!

  11. Peter

    I was a teacher in Sierra Leone and was just got sent home due to pneumonia. I am so crushed because that place is unbelievable. I just stumbled across your photos and have to say they are truly amazing. I know a few friends that have worked at Tribe Wanted and I have stayed there myself. That bucket shower on the ocean was probably the best and most memorable shower of my life. Down the beach, I spent my weekends at a place called Bureh. The local surfers and I were building rooms to help bring income to the village. What a special place. Can’t wait to go back. You really were able to capture the essence of Tribe.

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