War-wounded get micro-grants

Some 20,000 people wounded in Sierra Leone's war are receiving micro-grants as part of efforts to rebuild lives and livelihoods in the still fragile country.



The initial grants of 300,000 leones (US$80) each are part of a government "reparations" programme, implemented by the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA). The cash is aimed at boosting people's livelihoods, through training or a business start-up, as they await further health, education and other assistance.



NaCSA's Amadu Bangura said they planned to continue assistance in 2010 but were short of funds for the reparations programme; current funding of $3 million was made available by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. The commission is working on securing more funds and appealing to various donors.



Sierra Leone is still facing socio-economic challenges – some remnants of the war, others new. Finance Minister Samura Kamara noted falling diamond prices, decreasing remittances and imports, and drug-trafficking as new burdens. Sixty percent of youths are unemployed, according to the government.



With 300,000 leones a small-scale farmer could buy tools and rice seeds; an informal shopkeeper could purchase a start-up stock of biscuits and other goods.



Peace



Grant recipients told IRIN that nothing would erase the gang rapes endured in the war or restore amputated limbs, but they were grateful for the assistance.



"I am no longer able to do farming with the pain I experience from time to time," said Thomas Masuba, whose hand was amputated. "I will use the money to start a small-scale business, probably selling food and drink." 



Madam Kailakkah was a breast-feeding mother when she was gang-raped during the war. She said the initial grant was small but she would do her best to invest in farming. "The 300,000 leones cannot appease me, but [through the country's peace and reconciliation process] I have forgiven those rapists whom I still see around in nearby villages."



Assistance to war victims was among the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).



Amputees, victims of sexual violence, and others injured in the war are entitled to free medical care, and education and housing assistance under the reparation programme, Bangura said.



Alhaji Lamin Jusu Jarka, head of the national amputees and war-wounded association, said it was good that the government was providing micro-grants to "kick-start" reparations – many injured, unable to find jobs, depended on reparations – but "Delay in the overall implementation of the TRC recommendations is frustrating."



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