CARE International’s history in Sierra Leone
CARE began working in Sierra Leone shortly after independence in 1961. Early efforts focused on food security and education through school feeding programs, essential aid, and better connecting farmers to markets.
During the civil war (1991–2002), CARE provided life-saving aid to families forced to flee violence. Aid included food, emergency health services, and protection. After the war, CARE and our partners helped recover the national health system by working on infrastructure and training health workers.
Since 2013, CARE has supported the Government of Sierra Leone through the Epidemic Surveillance Program. CARE and our partners also played an important role during the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. We delivered hygiene messaging, medical supplies, food aid, cash support, and sexual and reproductive health services.
Today, CARE works with government institutions, women-led organizations, and civil society partners to help build long-term change, focused on communities’ priorities and leadership.
CARE and partners’ work in Sierra Leone today
CARE works across ten districts to improve health, strengthen livelihoods, promote equality, and build resilience. Our work focuses on:
Making the economy work
CARE supports women and youth through savings groups, financial literacy training, and small business development. Through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), women pool resources, access small loans, and strengthen household financial resilience.
Health
We strengthen health systems, trains health workers, and improve access to maternal care and modern contraception. Programs support women and adolescents to access accurate health information and essential services.
Food and water
CARE promotes climate-smart farming, improved nutrition for mothers and young children, and expanded access to safe water. By strengthening both food production and water systems, we help families build resilience to climate and economic shocks.
Crisis response
During crises, we provide food, cash assistance, hygiene supplies, and health support to affected communities.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE’s work in Sierra Leone. CARE partners with women-led organizations and community groups including SEND SL, Rofutha Development Association (RODA), The Movement towards Peace and Development Agency-Sierra Leone (MoPADA-SL), Mankind’s Activities for Development Accreditation Movement (MADAM-SL), Action for Advocacy and Development Sierra Leone (AAD-SL) and ABC-Development to advance equality and expand opportunities.
CARE supports women and girls to:
- Build financial independence through savings groups and business skills
- Access sexual and reproductive health information and services
- Live free from violence against women and girls through prevention and survivor-centered support
- Take on leadership roles in their communities
- Through this work, CARE supports a more resilient and equitable Sierra Leone where women and girls can thrive and lead.
