Written by: Colleen Rossignol 

Synopsis: Imagine a religious tolerant world, where neighbors are more like family and a society where forgiveness is real. Welcome to Sierra Leone.

 

 

Philosopher, Martin Buber noted that "all journeys have a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware". My work in Sierra Leone guided me toward my own secret destination - lessons learned from a little understood African culture in Sierra Leone.

 

For almost three years I've been working with a non-profit, The Village Link ("TVL"). TVL's mission is to improve economic development in rural communities through education and technology. This work brought me to Golu, a Muslim community in Sierra Leone. Golu's people are of the Mende tribe, the largest of 16 ethnic groups in a country whose civilization dates back to 2500BC. TVL's founder, RoseAnn Rotandaro, worked in Golu as a Peace Corp. volunteer in the 1970's. Her intimate connection to Golu is the reason for TVL's existence. TVL operates with a cultural appreciation for the Mende traditions, working concomitantly with village leaders, local businesses and non-profits providing resources that benefit the community. While our work promotes positive change, it has also taught me about culture and life in general. Through this journey I've discovered a generous, kind, forgiving and religiously tolerant culture, one that has few of the amenities of western civilization, but charm and values worthy of documentation and preservation.

 

If we believe that this country's character is predominantly determined by misfortunes such as the slave trade, an 11 year civil war, or the world's worst Ebola outbreak, then we would be missing out on a culture that is unspoiled and beautiful. Mende decedents have made their way into U.S. history books. Civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.'s heritage traces back to West Africa, most likely to the Mende people. The late poet, author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou was also of Mende decent.

 

In this religiously tolerant society, Muslims marry Christians and some identify as both Christian and Muslim, calling themselves “Chris-Mus”. Perhaps indicative of a North American misunderstanding, reactions from people who heard I was going to Sierra Leone included fear for my safety visiting a majority Muslim country. With a world in such turmoil and random acts of terror happening too often, this was a concern that seemed normal, unfortunately.

 

Despite these challenges we cannot let fear discourage our efforts to document, and learn about less understood cultures. This visual story will show how strangers with differing views on religion and life can coexist in peace demonstrating cross-cultural understanding and respect. It’s our responsibility as global citizens to learn about, understand and respect other cultures. It’s time we look for other ways to resolve conflict and learn to live peacefully amongst people that differ from us. This project will show that Sierra Leone and it’s people shouldn’t be feared. It’s a misunderstood country with values that the developed world can learn from.

 

The photos included are highlights of the village and people I met during my recent visit to Sierra Leone. I am seeking funding to complete documentation of this unique society featuring the special cross-cultural relationship between TVL and the Mende people.

World peace won't be accomplished easily, but stories of cultural understanding and religious tolerance can get us closer. My work will inspire people to broaden their minds and change negative perceptions of unfamiliar cultures and religions.