Sierra Leone – Giving Changes Lives – YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

Sadly, Sierra Leone has one of the highest child and maternal mortality rates in the world. According to the World Health Organization, there were 22,000 infant deaths and 3,100 maternal deaths in 2015 alone, compared to 2,000 infant and 27 maternal deaths in Canada that same year. We have the opportunity to work with Sarilyn Zimmerman and Deborah Kaley, global midwives who have many years of experience as skilled educators in North America and abroad. They are passionate about promoting midwifery and sharing the skills and knowledge that can prevent needless deaths.

OUR OPPORTUNITY

To save lives by delivering the necessary training to local midwives in Sierra Leone and to provide the skills needed to recognize, manage and treat obstetrical emergencies. This program includes multiple trips to Sierra Leone to provide ongoing training and necessary equipment and ensure ongoing delivery of the program.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Our YMCA, in conjunction with local Rotary Clubs and other community support, have pledged resources to this project. Your added contribution will go a long to reducing these mortality numbers in Sierra Leone and ensuring this project will have a lasting impact.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has held a strong partnership with the YMCA of Sierra Leone since 2005. By working together, not only have we been able to assist their organization and the people of Sierra Leone in areas like vocational training, women & youth leadership and emergency relief, but in return the YMCA of Sierra Leone provides global education and experiences for our Canadian YMCA participants.