Kroo Town Road Market Update

[FoSL President]

Hi FoSL Members!

Here is an update on the Head Start Project for the children of the Kroo Town Road Market in Freetown, which FoSL supported this year. 

“We have made wonderful progress, and I have attached before-and-after photographs (these pictures are posted on fosalone.org under past-funded projects) of the renovations so you can see what has been accomplished.

Your $4,000 grant from Friends of Sierra Leone made a tremendous difference. Without your support, we would not have come this far. We are deeply grateful for your confidence in this project and for helping us move one step closer to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment for these children.

We are now in the final stages. The facility has been renovated, educational supplies have been shipped, and classroom furniture is being purchased. We still need a little additional funding to help cover the first year's salary for the teacher and classroom aide. Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has assured us that, after the first year, the City will be able to include these positions in its budget. I am determined to see this project through to completion and will continue seeking support until we reach our goal.

Below is a summary of our progress:

Date	Milestone
December 19, 2025	Sent $15,000 to Freetown for renovation of the Head Start facility.
January 2026	Received a $4,000 grant from Friends of Sierra Leone.
March 18, 2026	Received a letter of appreciation from Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr.
April 16, 2026	Received before-and-after photographs documenting the completed renovations.
April 26, 2026	Shipped 20 boxes of educational supplies to the Mayor's Office in Freetown.
July 17, 2026	Sent an additional $5,000 for classroom furniture.
August 2026 (anticipated)	Educational supplies expected to arrive in Freetown.
Upcoming	Plan to send an additional $1,000 to assist with classroom furniture or the teacher's salary, along with a file cabinet and other classroom supplies.
Ongoing	Submitted a request for a donation to a longtime family friend and asked the Mayor of New Haven to seek support from a local furniture store. We are awaiting responses.
September 2026 (anticipated)	Grand opening of the Head Start Center.

Thank you again for believing in this project and for helping make it possible. I look forward to sharing photographs of the children enjoying their new classroom once the Center opens.

With sincere appreciation,

Althea 

P.S. If you know of any foundations, organizations, or individuals who might be interested in supporting this project, I would be grateful for any introductions or suggestions.”

Thank you for your continued support! 

The FoSL Board