April 17: Meeting the chief & shattering expectations

It is hard to believe that we are already done four days of work. The work is progressing at a good pace.

Today we had the honour of having the chief visit the site. He came to welcome our team and thank us for coming to help improve the community. He especially expressed gratitude for DWC coming in to help their community on their terms, in their ways and for not coming to try and change them.

Meeting the chief and chair lady of George Brook.

Lots of friendly handshakes and smiles!

It is reassuring to know that we are employing many residents of the George Brook community. The husband and wife team breaking rocks for the cement are a great example of this; not only are we helping to improving their income, but also we are saving money for the project by not having the rock hauled in.

It is heartwarming to know that we are a part of improving relationships and the George Brook community's idea of white people and white work ethic. They are quickly seeing that white people do participate in manual labour, including white women.

Jacquie Shinkewski
DWC Volunteer Participant
Sierra Leone: April 2014