Field visit to Sierra Leone

Carolina Alvarez Pusterla works in the development department at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. She is accompanying donors to see UNICEF programs in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone is a surprisingly young country. Close to half the population (48%) is under the age of 18. The country's future depends on children growing up to be healthy, educated, and productive adults. However, the survival, development, and protection of a large number of children are at risk.

� UNICEF/Giacomo Pirozzi

A student at Koya Town Non-Formal Primary Education Center .

Sierra Leone has some of the world's highest child and maternal mortality rates. The country is still in transition after a 10-year civil war devastated the country, killing more than 50,000 people between 1991 and 2002.

Despite these challenges, Sierra Leone is demonstrating significant positive trends, presenting a leading example of robust post-conflict reconstruction, with political stability and democracy - and the potential for economic progress.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/unicefusa/fieldnotes/~3/sq7jW_SpJKs/field_visit_to_sierra_leone.html

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