The New Year has started with unimaginable blessing and recognition for Home Leone with the visit of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma. While making a tour in the facility, he congratulated Home Leone for playing a pivotal role in providing affordable and sustainable housing for slum dwellers in Sierra Leone.
Home Leone is a remarkable charity with a primary task of rescuing people from slums and relocating them to quality homes in vibrant, sustainable communities, therefore creating an impact on the nation of Sierra Leone - one of the poorest countries in the world. It will bring life-changing opportunities as well as homes to thousands of people. Home Leone was just an idea and a dream of one person – Nigel Hyde; now it is a reality not just because of the powers and vision of Mr Hyde but with the continued financial, material and moral support from our sponsors.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
We are amazed how far the project has come, and how much more we have to do! Thanks again for your help in supporting us, your donations are making this happen.
The first project, Villa 2, is almost ready for its roof trusses, zinc panels, doors and windows and Villa 3 is at window height. We would like to thank you for your contributions in helping Destiny Village take shape and become a reality to the people of Sierra Leone. The first sets of keys will be handed over to families in May this year.
CURRENT PROJECTS
1 – POWER CABLE
We are currently installing 703 yards of 2.5-inch armoured cable power line from the generator room at the back of the workshop down to the brick factory. This will provide the required amount of power to run the Hydraform brick making machine and will cut fuel usage and maintenance for the two generators.
2 – WATER TOWER
The Water Tower is under construction. Milla Tanks with 20,000 litres of water container capacity will be installed in the unit. They will supply water to the entire destiny village.
3 – TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
Sixteen tents have been erected for skilled family heads of the slum dwellers who are living on-site from Monday to Friday and building their new homes at Destiny Village. They will then move into permanent housing with their families this year.
4 – PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
A weekly workshop for vocational skills training, quality assurance, personal development and mentorship will be conducted for skilled and unskilled workers by Pastor Patrick Saffa, Sarah Boxall and Andrew Kondoh.
SOLUTIONS
This community-led initiative is developing pioneering eco-friendly solutions with waste management, recycling, water and power. The first eight homes, warehouses, shops, storeroom, garages and a bridge to the main road have already been built and existing water resources refurbished and utilised. More homes, a business park and other social infrastructure can be quickly added subject to sufficient funding from our generous donors.
The business park is the key to Destiny Village’s sustainability. By investing initially in viable businesses (e.g. brick making, vehicle repair services and manufacturing of packaged drinking water) and then diversifying where there are gaps in the market (e.g. wood treatment, chicken farms and trailers), lasting jobs will be created. Discussions with local agricultural businesses may also provide jobs.
The community’s school has been designed and construction is under way. We have all the school equipment ready and when the first buildings are complete we will open our doors to children hungry to learn.
We still have a long way to go. There is an adage that says: “A thousand-mile journey begins with a single step”. The first stride has been taken and a million more will follow. However, without God and you our sponsors, the remaining work will never be possible.
The Book of Acts 20:35 says: “I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must aid those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he said: ‘there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving’.” You our sponsors have heeded this command by assisting the weak in building homes.
May God Almighty bless you as you continue to help the slum dwellers of Sierra Leone.
Update by Andrew Kondoh Sponsorship / Media Manager Home Leone. (We don’t build houses but communities).
