Advocacy: Friends of Sierra Leone

Talking Points when Discussing the Return of Peace Corps to Sierra Leone with your Congressman

• President Bush wants to increase our presence in Muslim countries. Sierra Leone is a predominantly Muslim country.
• Peace Corps has a long history of success in Sierra Leone.
• Sierra Leone is recovering from a ten-year war. During the war many structures such as schools and clinics were destroyed. These need to be rebuilt.
• Teachers and health care workers were killed during the war. There is a great need for people in these areas.
• Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world.
• In 2003 a Peace Corps assessment team visited Sierra Leone and declared it safe.
• The Sierra Leone government has a goal of primary education for every child. There are not enough teachers and many, especially in the primary schools, are poorly trained. Schools are very overcrowded. One primary school near Makeni has 277 students and 2 teachers.
• AIDS is in Sierra Leone. Many have not been tested. Rape was common during the war.
• Sierra Leoneans are working hard to rebuild their country. They need our help.
• Sierra Leoneans want Peace Corps. Many have fond memories of Peace Corps Volunteers and are asking for their return.

Also, please let us know the names of those you contact and the responses you receive.

Congressional Contacts

Links

• US House of Representatives
  
• US Senate