Friends of St Josephs School for the Hearing Impaired Makeni Sierra Leone

We are delighted to be able to post a bumper Christmas newsletter. Please click below.

Christmas Newsletter 2020

Dear Friends

You might not know it, but we recently had Giving Tuesday – a day to give back after the commercial madness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

This year, more than ever, it’s a great opportunity to show you care – and if you can, consider a donation to St Joseph’s.

It’s been a really difficult year for everyone. Coronavirus has changed how the world works for everyone – from closing schools for months on end, to preventing travel and forcing people to stay in their homes, unable to earn a living. Inflation has hit hard, and the cost of living is getting higher for everyone in Sierra Leone – the price of rice has increased hugely, for example.

As ever, the staff and pupils have been amazingly resilient. The school reopened in October and the majority of pupils have returned and are studying hard – delighted to return to the school community. But as ever, funds are tight – government support is very limited, and doesn’t cover boarding, food or many of the staff salaries.

Please consider Giving and  showing your support by making a donation – big or small, it will really make a difference, and help keep the school running for the children who rely on it.

Every penny donated goes directly to supporting St Joseph’s – the charity has no staff and is run by volunteers.

www.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/friendsofstjosephs

With warmest wishes,

Linda Freestone

On behalf of the Trustees

School life resumes!

Latest newsletter now available to read by clicking link above.

Slowly but surely the school is returning to a form of normality.

Read about it in our latest newsletter

Back to school for some

Towards the end of March the Sierra Leonean Government declared a State of Emergency. The school is currently closed until further notice and the staff, students and boarders have returned to their homes. Monica Tomlin, the educational audiologist, was able to fly home just before the lockdown in the UK. The Sierra Leone Government has closed all schools, and banned church and mosque services and it has closed its borders.  Unfortunately there are now a small number of Covid-19 cases in the country including a Paediatrician who is part of the National Response Team but there does seem to be an adequate testing programme in place.

Friends of St Joseph’s School is a small charity with very few outgoings. It doesn’t have any paid staff and it doesn’t have to pay any rental on office premises so it is in a much stronger financial position than many. It mainly relies on donations from supporters so its income shouldn’t be too affected during these times.

We hope and pray that you, your family, friends and colleagues are keeping safe and well in these unprecedented times.

Please read the latest newsletter from the Friends of St Joseph’s!

Sister Mary is enjoying her retirement