Mafere is the leader of the ‘Hands Together’ community group in Thunder Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Together, the group achieved their dream – building a brand-new clinic to help women and children.
Mafere tells the story. “Since I became a leader, after receiving training from Women and Children First, I realised the need and importance of a nearby health facility for timely referrals and treatment.
“During the course of our group meetings, we learned how to gather community resources. I met someone who was willing to give up her unfinished building for a clinic.
“Some group members and I had some money, so we started buying some building materials. We managed to get a volunteer contractor, who gave his services for free.
“Other people in the community started to support us till we completed the building. When I reported this to the District Health Management Team they equipped the clinic with drugs, medical items and staff.
“I am so happy we won! Community women are overwhelmed with happiness there’s a clinic close-by. Women and children who report sickness can now be treated on time.”
Mafere’s leadership has been instrumental to the group’s success. Her work has been recognised by others. She was recently elected as a health representative on her local Ward Council.
Mafere describes the secret to her success: “I am highly respected by people and they listen to me. I am very active, promoting health of women and children in the community. Everyone seems to work well with me because of my patience and perseverance.”
Her leadership has been essential to overcome the challenges that often face community groups. “There was no finance. In the beginning other community members were not very supportive.
“It was a small group, but very committed and effective. We struggled a lot but won in the end”.
Now those challenges are far behind. The clinic is fully operational and the group, under Mafere’s leadership, remains active and focused on the future.
“The group is now facilitating an extension, so more women will now deliver their babies at the clinic. We want a hand dug well, so clean water can be available to support the clinics.”
Annemijn, Programmes Manager at Women and Children First, adds “Mafere and the group have shown incredible skill and organisation to find funding and resources. They also linked well with others to really effect a wider change and have a greater impact.”
With Mafere leading an active community, this is just the start for the Hands Together group.
In these uncertain times Women and Children First need your support more than ever. Please do give if you can. A £50 donation can help train another women’s group leader like Mafere.