Sierra Leone History

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica

Sierra Leone, a West African country bordered by Guinea, Liberia, and the Atlantic Ocean, covers about 71,740 square kilometers. Its capital, Freetown, is a historic port city. Known for its tropical climate, rainforests, and beaches, Sierra Leone gained independence from the UK in 1961. Despite facing a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002, the country is rich in natural resources, particularly diamonds, which have influenced its development. The nation is culturally diverse, with various ethnic groups and languages, including Krio as a widely spoken lingua franca. Today, Sierra Leone is focused on rebuilding its economy, enhancing healthcare and education, and promoting sustainable development.

“We really established OSLIN as a formalized manner in which the Sierra Leoneans in Indiana could socialize but with a purpose. There were a lot of Sierra Leoneans scattered across the state and we would only see each other for special occasions. The war brought a lot of us together because we all had loved ones and homes that were affected by it. We wanted to come together in that time of pain to comfort each other and to also provide assistance to our people any way we could. That was almost 30 years ago and we are very proud to still see O.S.L.I.N. standing and functioning for the purpose for which we created it. O.S.L.I.N is not only a way for us all to join together for the greater good of our beloved Sierra Leone but it also stands as a support system for many of us residing in Indiana. With our 501C3 status we hope that O.S.L.I.N will continue to grow not only in our membership/partnerships but also in the type of missions work that we are able to do in the name of Sierra Leone. ”

— OSLIN Team

“Wi Misin”

Our Mission

To enhance awareness in our diverse communities throughout the state of Indiana on various pressing issues that significantly affect our beloved homeland of Sierra Leone. We are committed to providing assistance to Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad, not only during times of crisis but also by promoting and supporting ongoing sustainable projects in the country that we all cherish and hold dear to our hearts.

Unity

Unity, or "Udat" in Sierra Leonean culture, holds an indispensable importance that extends beyond mere cooperation—it embodies a profound sense of collective purpose and solidarity. At its core, unity fosters a deep-seated harmony among individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. It serves as a cornerstone for progress and development, enabling diverse groups to come together, celebrate their shared values, and navigate challenges collectively.

“Wi Valyoo dem”

Our Values

Integrity

Integrity, or "Tanpaɣa" in Sierra Leonean culture, holds a vital and irreplaceable role that goes beyond mere adherence to ethical standards—it embodies a profound commitment to honesty, moral principles, and transparency in both personal and communal contexts. At its core, integrity fosters trust and reliability among individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

Resilience

Resilience, known as "Poo paɣa" in Sierra Leonean culture, holds a fundamental and indispensable role that extends far beyond mere endurance—it embodies a profound ability to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of adversity and hardship. At its essence, resilience nurtures a deep-seated determination among Sierra Leoneans to overcome challenges, rebuild communities, and forge ahead with renewed strength and optimism.

Respect

Respect, known as "Kuuku" in Sierra Leonean culture, is similarly indispensable, extending beyond surface courtesies to encompass a profound reverence for individuals, traditions, and community values. At its essence, respect cultivates a profound appreciation among Sierra Leoneans for one another's dignity, contributions, and cultural heritage.