The Sam-Kam Foundation, Inc. (SKFI) Is a nonprofit organization founded 1997 by Sierra Leonean nationals in the U.S. We are committed to bringing help and opportunity to the young people of Sierra Leone, to assist them in rebuilding their shattered lives after a decade of war, terror and chaos. Children and adolescents were particularly impacted by the war, both as targeted victims as well as by the breakdown of family and community life.
During the war over two thirds of the population was driven from their homes and villages creating a tidal flow of refugees seeking safety both within Sierra Leone and in neighboring countries. In 1997, with the situation in Sierra Leone unstable and unsafe, the Sam-Kam Institute opened its doors in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, training Sierra Leonean refugees. Only in May 2002, the month of Sierra Leone’s democratic election, did we move home to Freetown.
Our Courses - We offer training in computer information technology, carpentry, sewing, welding and auto-mechanics. We also teach basic skills in practical English and math. Our programs emphasize character development and interpersonal skills. Compassion leadership, individual responsibility, respect for others and human rights are values that are so essential to nurture within this generation of Sierra Leoneans.
Targeted Group - We try to reach as many young people as our resources will allow. We want to leave no motivated young person without opportunity. Thus our students are of various tribes and religions, both war victims and ex- combatants, young men and women, boys and girls. Many have little or no formal education and lack skills necessary for any job or success. Others come with disrupted education and inadequate skills. All have been traumatized by war. All have been deprived of their childhood.
Source of Hope - Sierra Leoneans have a saying: “If you are drowning and someone extends the sharp side of a knife to hold onto, you will hold it even if it cuts your fingers.” Sierra Leoneans look to the future with hope and fear clinging to the sharp side of the knife, but they cannot do it alone. The Sam-Kam Institute of Technology offers hope and educational alternatives to violence, poverty and frustration.
We Need Your Help! - We have no endowment, no corporate sponsors and no government assistance. All our funding comes from contributions and hard earned grants and 100 percent goes to the operation of the Sam-Kam Institute in Freetown.
Most important, Sam-Kam needs monetary donations. We can also use tools for various trades, computers, bulk paper and office supplies.
To combat the electricity problem, we are also seeking help and advise with regard to solar-voltaic energy
Visit website at http://samkamfoundation.org
Discovering my African ancestry led me on a quest for knowledge of all things West African. I designed these images by combining my love of African American history, the Adinkra symbols and computer graphics.
In 2007, Arthur Tanga Creations grew out of Toronto and from a desire to offer unique and meaningful art and designs to the masses. Our intention is to represent art as a visual language, to bring together diverse cultures and expose them to the fusion of beauty, morality and history. Culture is the very essence that defines us, and Arthur Tanga Creations seeks to bring it to audiences in its most essential whether as a blend or in its pure form. Arthur Tanga Creations seeks to express cultural education, social awareness, understanding, appreciation and unification through art and design. Learn more at http://arthurtanga.com