Hundreds of Sierra Leonean Orphans Enjoy Fun-Filled Eid Celebration at Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE)’s Global Orphan’ Party

“Behind every young child who believes in themselves is a parent who believed first.” Matthew Jacobson, Author and Professor – Yale University

As humans, there are many things we take for granted. From our health to our homes and warm beds, the list is endless. However, one of the easiest things we can turn a blind eye to is the role that having parents has had in shaping us and the lives we lead.

Have you truly taken the time to reflect on the impact growing up with parents has had on your life? The micro decisions that were made by them before we could even form conscious memories, and how that has shaped the person you are today. Or the opportunities that were made available to you because of the support, investment, and guidance you received from people who were entirely dedicated to your well-being and success. Despite all their flaws as humans, their role is undeniable.

Now take a moment and envision a life without all that: a life of instability, confusion, struggle, and insurmountable challenges. This is the life led by most orphans around the world – a life absent of direction and assistance.

For at least half a million orphaned children in Sierra Leone, the absence of one or both of their parents has left a gaping hole in their lives. With an increased likelihood of dropping out of school, engaging in hazardous work, or being pushed into early marriage, the missing protection and patience of a parent impacts an orphan’s daily life.

Generally, child poverty levels in Sierra Leone are considerably high, with up to 70% of children living in a state of deprivation in terms of health, education, and living standards. This has a significant impact on the development of young children, as widespread malnutrition causes stunting in approximately 30% of children under five. Consequently, this leads to Sierra Leone having one of the highest mortality rates for children under the age of five.

For an orphan, these levels are even higher. With limited to no support networks, many vulnerable children find themselves struggling to survive in an extremely challenging climate. An estimated 76,000 children end up living or working on the streets, existing in a void of care or support, striving to get from one day to another.

Aware of the struggles facing vulnerable children in Sierra Leone, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) arranged its Global Orphan’s Party to enable orphans to celebrate the day of Eid on April 01 to April 02, 2025. LIFE’s event granted orphans an opportunity to explore and experience the Freetown Amusement Park, bringing joy and happiness to those who would not ordinally have access to this activity. A total of 250 orphans from the Western Rural and Urban Districts were given access to a playground filled with toys, entertainment, games, food, and gifts.

This experience provided vulnerable orphans with a sense of security where they could exhibit joy and laughter, celebrating just as any other child would. Many orphans in Sierra Leone sadly feel disconnected from society. LIFE’s initiative aimed to help them feel part of a larger, caring community, showing them that they are worthy of happiness and celebration.

The event allowed them to forget their struggles and simply enjoy being children, reducing feelings of isolation, sadness, anxiety, and emotional trauma, while opening the orphans to an opportunity that would help them believe in a brighter future. The orphans expressed their gratitude through delighted displays of joy during the party, as well as through prayers and praises for the organization and its donor partners.

The young Fanta Fofanah, one of the orphans that attended LIFE’s Global Party, shared his heartfelt thanks in the following statement: “Today brought us so much happiness, making us feel as if our parents are still alive. I really enjoyed the party, and it truly made me happy.”

Another beneficiary, Ibrahim Kamara, recognized the wonderful opportunity LIFE’s event presented to the orphans: “I would like to thank LIFE for bringing me to this playground. It’s my first time here, and I’ve really enjoyed playing with toys I’ve never seen before in my life.”

For these children, life has continued despite the absence of their parents, leaving them to fend for themselves in a world that now lacks color, purpose and joy. Your donations, along with LIFE’s initiative, have provided these vulnerable orphans with the dignity and care they would normally receive from those that love them most. Thank you for gifting this gem to them, for believing in them and reminding them that they are not alone.