Volunteering in Sierra Leone - May 2009
This past May 2009 Marie Gassée and Jeremy Schwartz ventured to the capital of Sierra Leone, Freetown, to stay and volunteer at the DOVE orphanage.
Marie and Jeremy in Sierra Leone
 
Approximately 20 children and teenagers live at DOVE, under the care of executive director Judy Nelson. Most of these children lost their parents during the civil war, often in horrific circumstances. DOVE emphasizes teaching these young men and women skills that will allow them to find careers and become productive members of society.
 
Marie, who works in San Jose, California, and Jeremy, who works and lives in Los Angeles, California, spent a week teaching the kids how to use computers (most of them had never touched a computer before). Computer skills will not only allow the kids to achieve better employment but also qualifies the orphanage for the donation of a Cyber Classroom. 
 
They also set up a RACHEL server, connected to a six computers set up and left at DOVE by World Possible.
RACHEL server 
RACHEL allows for access to a very large library of information which would otherwise not be possible due to the lack of Internet access in that area. A couple of the older teenagers with higher level of computer knowledge are now able to continue the computer classes for the rest of the children, as they await the arrival of their Cyber Classroom.
Marie and Jeremy teaching in Sierra Leone 
This program in Sierra Leone was deemed very successful and the team keeps in contact with the orphanage. A subsequent trip to Sierra Leone will be attempted as there remains countless ways to help this country through technology and education.
 
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