By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
At a Press Conference held on 10th September 2024 at Caritas Office in Kingtom, the Sick Pikin Project announced its latest milestone: three children, Calab Julian Sewah, Isatu Isha Kamara and Mabinty Paulina Bangura, will be departing for India today, 11th September, 2024, to undergo life-saving surgeries in New Delhi.
The Sick Pikin Project, which has been dedicated to raising funds for sick, vulnerable children since its inception, has continued its mission to support families unable to afford crucial medical treatments for their children. Since its establishment, the Project has raised funds for over 306 cases, successfully arranging 123 surgeries overseas and 183 locally.
Despite these achievements, the organization continues to face growing demand, with a large number of desperate families seeking help daily. As of 10th September, 56 more cases of children in urgent need of surgery remain pending due to lack of funds.
Ishmeal Alfred Charles, Co-founder of the Sick Pikin Project, addressed the challenges during the Press Conference.
He reaffirmed the Project’s unwavering commitment to helping children, regardless of their background, religion or political affiliation. “We believe in transparency and accountability,” he stated. “Every donor can track their contributions and see exactly where the money goes. We owe it to the children and their families to be honest in our work.”
He expressed deep gratitude to the individuals, organizations and anonymous donors who have supported the Project, singling out the Bank of Sierra Leone for its continued backing. However, he also highlighted the hurdles the organization faces, especially in securing sufficient funds for surgeries and travel expenses. “The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated support of volunteers and contributors, both in Sierra Leone and abroad,” he said.
One of the parents, Mary Stevens Sewah, whose son Calab is one of the children departing for surgery in India, gave an emotional statement at the Press Conference. Overcome with gratitude, she recounted the difficult journey she faced in trying to find help for her son.
“I have tried every way to get help for my son’s condition,” she shared. “I knocked on doors, reached out to relatives and even went to local organizations, but no one was willing to help, not even family members. I was left in despair, thinking there was no hope. But then the Sick Pikin Project came into our lives and they gave us hope again. They are doing such a wonderful job and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for saving my son’s life.”
The Sick Pikin Project remains dedicated to its mission, but the ever-growing number of cases serves as a reminder of the continued need for public support.
As the three children and their families depart for their journey to India, the organization calls on the public, private donors and institutions to help ensure that more lives can be saved.
