We have been working with the accredited non-profit charity Hope4African in Sierra Leone since 2020. To underpin future work -and actions, and in collaboration with Hope4African local communities, we spearheaded 2 research projects -and assessments across 3 communities in the greater Sierra Leone region, to identify the barriers to and the opportunities inherent in sustainable socio-economic development and environmental protection. In 2022 and 2023, after extensive local consultations and collaboration with community chiefs, local community leaders, elders, local and national government representatives, and government stakeholders, three focus communities with potential have been identified.
The outcomes of our mixed method approach (which included qualitative, quantitative, anecdotal on-site assessments, surveys, door-stepping interviews -and inclusive focus groups) – informed the development of actions to realise aspirations into outcomes-based project implementation. The research, work was underpinned by the 3 pillars of sustainability (social justice, economic efficiency, and environmental integrity). The extensive action-oriented report was presented to the government representatives and contributing charity Hope4African and community representatives. The report additionally provided a summary of research findings and an overview of practical examples of the impactful, pioneering work of our CEO Anthea, also founder of Dreamcatcher South Africa NPC in South Africa.