July Updates

The good thing so far about July is the weather is cooling off. The rainy season is settling in allowing for cooler days and nights.

Unfortunately for me, there has been a water shortage. So having running water has not been consistent at all.  Actually, I had two full weeks without running water, but with the assistance of members on the compound they fetched water for me so that I could do the basics. The blessing is the other Lay Mission-Helper who is in Sierra Leone. Kathy, is a nurse that is commissioned to Holy Spirit Hospital and resides only about a 7-minute drive away from me. She has allowed me to stay at her cottage during the weekend so that I can have access to running water and electricity. If it wasn't for her kindness, I was truly reevaluating my decision.

I am still in Sierra Leone.  This week I have had running water every morning and am thankful for this. Also, on another note, I have had communications with members of the Management Team at St. Ignatius University in Uganda. It was a pleasure hearing from them. They requested, while I am in the continent that I visit. If I can during the holidays, I will share the visit with you all.

Now the semester is over, the students are preparing for their final exams. I am assisting with the preparation of the 3rd WAAQAN International Conference that will be held at the University of Makeni. This is allowing me to make more connections within the university as well as with other higher education institutes and partnerships. I do hope that it is a success for West Africa and Sierra Leone. The submission of abstracts is over, but sections of the event will be held online. I am sharing the flyer. The abstract submission was extended to July 15th. Please feel free to register and join virtually.

 

Bye for now,

Nancy 

World Bank Consultations

The month of June was a difficult month for me. Still adapting to the extreme heat, while surviving two weeks without electricity at the end of May. June began on a positive note as I was looking forward to a long weekend mid-June to explore Freetown and Lungi. The first two weeks there was electricity and daily running water. Yeah!

The first two weeks were busy preparing for lectures and engaging in futuristic endeavors.  We had visitors from the World Bank to examine and explore how they may help us and Sierra Leone with job creation, especially for the young graduates.  The visit concluded with rich discussions on plans to expand the academic programs by launching a Biomedical Engineering Equipment Technician program and a Biomedical Engineering program with the hopes of receiving accreditation in 2027.

My contribution to the conversation was to encourage foreign companies who make health and medical equipment to establish at least two manufacturing warehouses in Sierra Leone which would require an agreement to hire staff from Sierra Leone. Also to donate old or expired equipment to the university for the programs labs. This partnership would provide job opportunities, provide training opportunities, and most importantly significantly improve the lives of Sierra Leone with regards to health care. It also included discussions with entrepreneurship ideas, waste management, and securing faculty to lecture in the additional programs that will be launched in the upcoming year(s). I have attached a few pictures from the meeting as well as the announcement.

 

The World Bank concludes consultation with UNIMAK Staff

The World Bank Sierra Leone Country Team, led by Country Manager Abdu Muwonge, concludes consultations with University of Makeni (UNIMAK) staff on June 11, 2026,  for the upcoming 2026–2031 Country Partnership Framework (CPF). Held at the UNIMAK Fatima campus, the high-level meeting featured significant contributions from UNIMAK Registrar Foday Augustine Bangura, Director of Academic Affairs Fr. George Gbamanja, and Dean of Commerce and Management Dr. Santigie Kaba, who all offered localized, academic insights on the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), aiming to align the World Bank's upcoming five-year framework specifically on job creation.  In addition, other staff of UNIMAK also made meaningful contributions that focus on job creation across all sectors of development in Sierra Leone. They also discuss UNIMAK's impact on economic growth through the core values of teaching, research, and community engagement.  The WORLD BANK Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge,  praised the UNIMAK staff for their brave inputs on the Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

Hoping that July is a better month.

God Bless,

Nancy