THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO

SIERRA LEONE

A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

June 2013 CCD
MAP OF SIERRA LEONE
A WELCOME LETTER

Dear Peace Corps trainee, 

As country director and on behalf of all the staff in Sierra Leone, we are delighted to 

welcome you to Peace Corps/Sierra Leone. 

This letter and the Welcome Book will provide information and updates about the status of 

Peace Corps/Sierra Leone, as well as some “tips” from Volunteers who have had a 

successful and fulfilling experience with the Peace Corps. You and your colleagues will join 

the Peace Corps/Sierra Leone family. Together, Volunteers and staff members play key 

roles in shaping how Peace Corps can best meet the development needs of the people of 

Sierra Leone. 

You are about to embark upon a great adventure. While not without its frustrations, it will 

provide you with the opportunity to learn about other worlds and about yourself in ways 

that few other experiences will. You will need to be prepared to work hard to learn about 

Sierra Leoneans—their language and their culture—and how to best utilize your skills and 

enthusiasm effectively. You will also need to gear your expectations to the realities of a 

developing nation that has only recently emerged from crisis. 

While we plan for quite specific job assignments, conditions and personnel may change. The 

best strategy is to come to Sierra Leone prepared to be flexible and adaptable to whatever 

you encounter.

The Peace Corps staff here in Freetown has been working very hard preparing for your 

arrival. Whether it’s been readying your training site, procuring necessary equipment and 

supplies, hiring staff, or preparing lesson plans—in a sense, it has all been in preparation 

for your arrival. You will find our largely Sierra Leonean staff eager to assist you in 

adjusting to Sierra Leone and as an invaluable resource during your time here. 

The people, government, and schools of Sierra Leone have expressed great interest in the 

re-establishment of Peace Corps in the country. While expectations are high, the 

opportunities for making a real difference are even higher. 

In closing, we would like to give you your first language lesson: Padi Kusheh-O. In Krio 

language that means, “Friend, Hello.” You should also know Kaboh-o, which means 

“Welcome.” You most certainly will be.

See you soon!

Valerie Staats

Country Director

Peace Corps/Sierra Leone
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Core Expectations..................................................................................................................... 1

For Peace Corps Volunteers ..................................................................................................... 1

Peace Corps/Sierra Leone......................................................................................................... 2

History and Programs .............................................................................................................. 2

History of the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone ......................................................................... 2

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Sierra Leone..................................... 2

Country Overview: Sierra Leone at a Glance .......................................................................... 4

History ................................................................................................................................... 4

Government ........................................................................................................................... 5

Economy ................................................................................................................................ 5

People and Culture ............................................................................................................... 7

Environment ......................................................................................................................... 9

Resources for Further Information.........................................................................................10

General Information About Sierra Leone............................................................................10

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees .....................................................11

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Sierra Leone ...................................................11

International Development Sites About Sierra Leone........................................................12

Books About Sierra Leone ...................................................................................................12

Books About the History of the Peace Corps.......................................................................14

Books on the Volunteer Experience.....................................................................................14

Recommended Films............................................................................................................15

Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle.............................................................................16

Communications ..................................................................................................................16

Mail ......................................................................................................................................16

Telephones ...........................................................................................................................16

Computer, Internet, and Email Access ...............................................................................16

Housing and Site Location...................................................................................................17

Living Allowance and Money Management ........................................................................17

Food and Diet.......................................................................................................................17

Transportation .....................................................................................................................18
Geography and Climate .......................................................................................................18

Social Activities....................................................................................................................19

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior.................................................................................19

Personal Safety ....................................................................................................................20

Rewards and Frustrations...................................................................................................21

Peace Corps Training ..............................................................................................................22

Pre-Service Training............................................................................................................22

Qualifying for Service ..........................................................................................................23

Technical Training...............................................................................................................23

Language Training ..............................................................................................................24

Cross-Cultural Training ......................................................................................................24

Health Training ...................................................................................................................25

Safety Training ....................................................................................................................25

Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service .................................................................25

Your Health Care and Safety in Sierra Leone........................................................................26

Health Issues in Sierra Leone .............................................................................................26

Helping You Stay Healthy...................................................................................................26

Maintaining Your Health ....................................................................................................27

Women’s Health Information ..............................................................................................28

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit.............................................................................................28

Medical Kit Contents ...........................................................................................................28

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist...............................................................................29

Safety and Security: Our Partnership ....................................................................................31

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk .........................................................................31

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime..........................................................................33

Support from Staff ...............................................................................................................33

Crime Data for Sierra Leone ...............................................................................................33

Volunteer Safety Support in Sierra Leone ..........................................................................34

Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues.......................................................................................36

Overview of Diversity in Sierra Leone ................................................................................36

What Might a Volunteer Face?............................................................................................37

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers ............................................................................37
Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color ............................................................................37

Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers ..............................................................................37

Possible Issues for Married Couple Volunteers...............................................................38

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers...............................................38

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers .........................................................................38

Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities.............................................................39

Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................................................40

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Sierra Leone? ............................................40

What is the electric current in Sierra Leone?..................................................................40

How much money should I bring?....................................................................................40

When can I take vacation and have people visit me? ......................................................40

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?..................................................................41

Do I need an international driver’s license? ....................................................................41

What should I bring as gifts for Country X friends and my host family? .......................41

Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be? ..41

How can my family contact me in an emergency? ...........................................................41

Can I call home from Sierra Leone?.................................................................................42

The cell phone system in Sierra Leone is improving but there are still some sites that 

do not have regular coverage. Volunteers are regularly able to call and receive calls 

from the U.S. It is cheaper for the call to originate in America so you may want to 

explore phone card options before your departure. The Sierra Leone international 

dialing code is 232. ...........................................................................................................42

Should I bring a cellular phone with me? ........................................................................42

Will there be email and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?.........................42

Welcome Letters from Country Volunteers ............................................................................43

Packing List.............................................................................................................................47

General Clothing ..............................................................................................................47

Shoes .................................................................................................................................48

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items ..............................................................................48

Miscellaneous ...................................................................................................................49

Final Notes .......................................................................................................................51

Pre-Departure Checklist .........................................................................................................52

Family ...............................................................................................................................52
Passport/Travel ................................................................................................................52

Medical/Health .................................................................................................................52

Insurance ..........................................................................................................................52

Personal Papers................................................................................................................52

Voting ................................................................................................................................53

Personal Effects................................................................................................................53

Financial Management ....................................................................................................53

Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters ...................................................................................54
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

1

CORE EXPECTATIONS 

FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of promoting world peace and 

friendship, as a trainee and Volunteer, you are expected to:

1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad 

for a full term of 27 months 

2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom you live and work; 

and, in doing so, share your skills, adapt them, and learn new skills as needed 

3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions of hardship, if 

necessary, and with the flexibility needed for effective service 

4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work is based on the 

local trust and confidence you build by living in, and respectfully integrating 

yourself into, your host community and culture 

5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your personal 

conduct and professional performance 

6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and 

respect 

7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and the local and national 

laws of the country where you serve 

8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your health, safety, and 

well-being and that of others 

9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host country and community, as a 

representative of the people, cultures, values, and traditions of the United States of 

America 

10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and traditions of your host 

country and community to people in the United States both during and following 

your service
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

2

PEACE CORPS/SIERRA LEONE

HISTORY AND PROGRAMS

History of the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone

The Peace Corps program in Sierra Leone began in January 1962 as one of the first 

countries entered after Peace Corps’ launch in March, 1961. The Peace Corps signed an 

agreement with the new government of Sierra Leone just nine months after the country 

became independent from the United Kingdom.

The first group of Peace Corps Volunteers to arrive in Sierra Leone included 37 secondary 

school teachers in January 1962. They were joined by another 70 Volunteers in August 

1962. For much of the 1960s, PC/Sierra Leone (SL) concentrated on education, with 

Volunteers involved in teaching at many levels and throughout the country. From the late 

1960s to the early 1990s, PC/SL branched out into the sectors of agriculture, community 

development, and health. 

In the early 1990s, political turmoil and civil unrest in the region engulfed Sierra Leone 

and the Peace Corps was forced to evacuate its 82 Volunteers as a result of a bloodless coup 

d’état that took place in Freetown on April 29, 1992. In July 1992, Peace Corps staff 

returned to reopen the program. Projects in agriculture, education, and health were reestablished in areas not immediately affected by the civil conflict, but growing violence soon 

made it difficult for Peace Corps to continue. Following the evacuation of the remaining 

Volunteers, the program was finally closed in October 1994. More than 3,500 Volunteers 

served in Sierra Leone up until this closure.

The Peace Corps conducted a partial assessment in 2001, hoping to return as the country 

was stabilized and in dire need of development support. Agency finances did not allow a 

return, but full assessments were conducted in 2003 and 2007, both recommending that the 

security situation in-country was conducive to Peace Corps’ return and that there was a 

tremendous need for, and goodwill toward, the Peace Corps. With the availability of 

funding in 2010, the agency made the decision to re-enter Sierra Leone with a group of 39 

Volunteers in June 2010.

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Sierra Leone

The Peace Corps began in Sierra Leone with an education project, but Volunteers have 

worked in many program sectors, including agriculture, education, fisheries, health, parks 

management, rural development, and small-scale food production/processing.

Throughout its history, the Peace Corps has enjoyed a significant amount of support from 

the government of Sierra Leone (GOSL) and the population at-large. This strong support 

still exists.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

3

Soon after the war ended in Sierra Leone, education emerged as a national priority. The 

Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) developed a comprehensive 

education sector assistance plan for 2007-2015. Sierra Leone’s educational system has been 

transitioning from post-conflict resolution to sustainable development. To strengthen the 

educational system, the government of Sierra Leone and its partners are collaborating to 

provide quality and affordable education. In response to this national priority, the Peace 

Corps’ initial return to Sierra Leone has focused on secondary education Volunteers 

teaching English, math, and science in parts of the country that face difficulty in attracting 

trained Sierra Leone teachers. 

Volunteers currently are posted at schools in 12 districts throughout Sierra Leone, 

primarily located in small towns and villages in the interior of the country. As teachers of 

English, science, and mathematics in junior and senior secondary schools, they work to 

promote the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology’s (MEST) goal of improving the 

quality of education. They also coach and mentor teachers, facilitate extra-curricular 

activities, promote girls’ enrollment in school, and oversee programs involving reproductive 

health and youth development. Volunteers also work to strengthen local schools by 

promoting partnerships and networks between the school, community, and other 

organizations and work to develop school infrastructure. In 2012, a Peace Corps Response 

program was added to provide support to teacher training institutions throughout the 

country. These are returned Peace Corps Volunteers who undertake more narrowly focused 

and shorter-term assignments. In addition to education and youth development, Volunteers 

in Sierra Leone work on secondary projects related to malaria, food security, and 

information technology.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

4

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

SIERRA LEONE AT A GLANCE

History 

Archaeology findings show that Sierra Leone has been inhabited for thousands of years. 

Traditional historiography has customarily presented it as peopled by successive waves of 

invaders; but the language pattern suggests that the coastal Bulom (Sherbro), Temne, and 

Limba have been in continuous settled occupation for a long time, with sporadic 

immigration from inland Mende-speaking people, including Vai, Loko, and Mende. 

Populations were historically organized in small political units of independent kingdoms or 

chiefdoms, the powers of whose rulers were checked by councils. Secret societies, notably 

the Poro society, also exercised political power and instructed initiates in the customs of the 

culture.

Muslim traders brought Islam, and European contact began with Portuguese sailors Alvaro 

Fernandez in 1447 and Pedro Da Cintra in 1462. Located near present day Freetown, the 

Rokel estuary was established as an important source of fresh water for sea traders and 

explorers who traded goods such as swords and kitchen and other household utensils in 

exchange for beeswax and fine ivory works. By the mid-1550s, slaves replaced these items 

as the major commodity. British traders of the Royal African Company established forts 

along the coast for trading after the 1650s, but the British did not have a monopoly on the 

area. 

In 1808, the Freetown area became an official British Crown Colony. Trade flourished and 

in 1896 a protectorate was declared, which unified all the areas that form the basis of 

modern day Sierra Leone. Building on that foundation, the country developed a single 

identity with a shared history and culture. The language Krio developed out of a mix of 

various languages, but English became the official language.

During British colonialism, Sierra Leone served as the seat of government for other British 

colonies along the West Coast of Africa. The first college for higher education south of the 

Sahara was established in 1827. The country is well known for its early achievements in 

the fields of medicine, law, and education, earning the nickname “the Athens of West 

Africa.”

Sierra Leone achieved independence from the British on April 27, 1961. Since 

independence, many changes have been experienced politically, economically, and socially 

in Sierra Leone. The 1990s brought successive civil disturbances, culminating into a 

ghastly war that led to the intervention of the international community, led by the United 

Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). Various international organizations helped 

provide an environment for the elections of 2002. The war has officially been over since 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

5

2002 and the process of rebuilding Sierra Leone and re-establishing its institutions is well 

underway. Since the war, Sierra Leone has held two multiparty elections which have been 

generally perceived as free and fair. 

Under a multiparty democracy, Sierra Leone’s economy is gradually picking up. Mining and 

oil extraction have, in recent years, played a key role in providing additional income to the 

government and citizenry. With peace, the tourism sector is growing and shows signs of 

great potential. Many Sierra Leoneans who left during the war years are returning and 

bringing needed investment and expertise back to the country. Political stability and 

tolerance have fostered a peaceful co-existence and the country is making strides in many 

aspects of development.

Government

Sierra Leone is a constitutional republic with a directly elected president, a unicameral 

legislature, and a judiciary branch. The president serves as the head of government and can 

be elected to two five-year terms, after which time the individual is barred by the 

Constitution from running again. The president is also head of state and, as such, is 

commander in chief of the armed forces and national police. The current president of Sierra 

Leone is Ernest Bai Koroma, who was sworn in on September 17, 2007, after what was 

widely acclaimed as a free, fair, and peaceful election. In light of elections across the 

continent, the campaign and election results in Sierra Leone was a credit to the country, 

especially considering that opposition parties rarely achieve victory at the polls. The 

transfer of power from one president and political party to another was a sign of the 

stability the country had achieved since the end of the civil war. 

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has 124 seats, with 112 consisting of the elected members, 

and the remaining 12 seats reserved for traditional rulers or paramount chiefs from each of 

the country’s 12 administrative districts. The military, restructured following the civil war, 

stands at over 10,000, but there are plans to downsize it.

Since independence in 1961, Sierra Leone’s politics have been dominated by two major 

political parties, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), with predominant support from 

the south (i.e. the Mende), and the ruling All People’s Congress(APC), with predominant 

support from the north and Western Area (i.e., the Temne). Although other minor political 

parties have also existed, they have generally had little significant support. Regionalism 

and ethnic affiliations have been a primary part of the political process since 1961 and are 

still evident in election results today.

Economy

Greater freedom of movement means residential areas are being resettled, and investor and 

consumer confidence continue to rise. 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

6

About two-thirds of the population engages in subsistence agriculture, which accounts for 

52.5 percent of national income. The government is trying to increase food and cash crop 

production and upgrade small farmer skills. The government works with several foreign 

donors to operate integrated rural development and agricultural projects.

Rich in minerals, Sierra Leone has traditionally relied on mining, especially diamonds, for 

its economic base. The country is among the top 10 diamond producing nations in the world. 

In recent years, the extractive industry has boomed. Sierra Leone has very large iron ore 

deposits and they are currently being developed. They now provide significant income to 

fund government activities. In addition, Sierra Leone is a major producer of rutile and will 

soon be developing oil found off its coastal shelf. Mineral exports remain the main foreign 

currency earner. 

Sierra Leone is a major producer of gem-quality diamonds. Historically, Sierra Leone has 

struggled to manage diamond exploitation and export. In October 2000, a U.N.-approved 

certification system for exporting diamonds from the country was put in place and led to a 

dramatic increase in legal exports. In 2001, the government created a mining community 

development fund, which returns a portion of diamond export taxes to diamond mining 

communities. The fund was created to raise local communities’ stake in the legal diamond 

trade. Artisanal (small scale) diamond mining is waning as larger companies become 

involved in the field.

Despite its successes and development, the Sierra Leone economy still faces significant 

challenges. There is high unemployment, particularly among the youth and ex-combatants. 

Authorities have been slow to implement reforms in the civil service, and corruption 

remains a problem. 

Decades of poor governance followed by 11 years of civil war have left Sierra Leone’s 

economy and social infrastructure in a dire condition. Despite significant progress made 

toward peace and stability since 2002, the country remains today at the bottom of the 

Human Development Index, with an estimated 63 percent of the population living in 

extreme poverty. Conditions are exacerbated by marginalized unemployed youth, 

educational system degradation, major health concerns (infant mortality, malaria, 

infectious diseases), limited infrastructure, and low human capacity. 

While there have been clear signs of improvement in the last few years, an HDI indicator of 

180/187 countries (UNDP, 2011) continues to reflect stark economic, health, and 

educational conditions. Sierra Leone faces the need for long-term development assistance, 

particularly in terms of human capacity and infrastructure development as it advances 

beyond the post-conflict stage. As was noted by one American nongovernmental 

organization (NGO) staff member interviewed during the 2007 Peace Corps country entry

assessment, “no matter where you throw a rock, you’ll hit a problem.” This comment seems 

as relevant today as it was a few years ago. Some illustrative indicators that reflect ongoing 

concerns:
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

7

• Life expectancy at birth – 47.8 years (UNDP HDI Index, 2011)

• Mean years of schooling for adults – 2.9 (UNDP HDI Index, 2011)

• Adult (over age 15) literacy rate = 35 percent (133 out of 139 rated countries), (CIA 

World Factbook, 2011)

• Per capita income = $900 (215 out of 227 rated countries), (CIA World Factbook, 

2011)

• Population living below U.S. $1,25/day = 62.79% (UNDP, 2011)

• Less than half the population has access to safe water (Human Development Report, 

2007)

• 25 percent of women in Sierra Leone marry before age 15; 62 percent before age 18 

(Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation, 2007)

• Children under 5 who are stunted (36 percent), wasted (10 percent), underweight (21 

percent), (SL MOH Demographic and Health Survey, 2008)

• One out of six mothers die in childbirth– highest in the world (HDR, 2008)

While there are undoubtedly many problems as Sierra Leone emerges from post-conflict to 

development stages, there are significant bright spots that give rise to optimism that things 

are getting better. They include:

• Relative political stability, which witnessed the peaceful transition of political 

leadership from one political party to its opponent in 2007;

• A spirited multi-party system with a free press;

• The commercial exploitation of Sierra Leone’s natural resources (oil, iron ore, rutile) 

that is likely to lead to increases in job opportunities, overseas investment, and 

income for government-financed projects; 

• The government’s recently established (2010) free health care program for pregnant 

and lactating women and children under 5 is significantly improving the health 

status of the poor;

• Consistent growth (2003-2008) in the economy of 3.7 percent (World Bank, 2010) 

and 4.7 percent in 2010 (U.S. Embassy, Economics Section), leading to a low, but 

steadily improving, standard of living; 

• School enrollment at all levels has more than doubled in the last decade; and

• Strong desire of the population to move away from conflict and toward development.

People and Culture

Sierra Leone has witnessed a great deal of changes within the last two decades due to the 

civil war. Its population of roughly 5.9 million people, with a population density of 217 per 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

8

square mile, has experienced dramatic shifts. The overall population is youthful, with about 

50 percent under the age of 15 years. The average woman bears six children in her

lifetime,and the population growth rate is over 2 percent. Thirty-six percent of the 

population lives in urban areas, creating great demands on the weak infrastructure. There 

is a large Sierra Leonean Diaspora, especially in the U.S. and U.K., whose remittances to 

families at home is very important to them and the local economy. The religious makeup of 

the country is split between Muslims and Christians, with 55 percent practicing Islam and 

35 percent Christian; 10 percent practice traditional religious beliefs, though such beliefs 

are still important to many Muslims and Christians as well.

For one of the smaller African countries, Sierra Leone has a relatively large mix of ethnic 

groups, with the government recognizing at least 16 groups. There are 15 to 20 different 

ethnic groups, the discrepancy being due to debate about whether local dialects continue to 

be mutually distinct in the face of population expansion, intermarriage, and migration. For 

example, the two largest ethnic groups, the Temne and Mende, each comprise about 30 

percent of the total population, and have come to “absorb” many of their less populous 

neighbors. Other groups include the Limba, Kono, Susu, Sherbro, Fula, and Krios. While 

each ethnic group speaks its own language, the majority of people speak either Mende or 

Temne, with almost everyone speaking Krio, the lingua franca. It is not unusual for a child 

growing up to speak four different languages—that of his/her parent’s ethnic group, a 

neighboring group, Krio, and English. There is a noticeable presence of Lebanese in the 

business community, especially in Freetown, many of whom were born in Sierra Leone 

because their parents and grandparents migrated to the country decades ago. 

Relations among the ethnic groups have generally been cordial, and Sierra Leone has 

largely avoided the racial or religious tensions characteristic of other parts of the world. For 

instance, during the civil war, one family may have had children fighting for opposing sides, 

which made the violence deeply and personally felt. When ethnic problems do arise, they 

often do so around the time of elections, when politicians are accused of catering to their 

own ethnic group. The two main political parties find their major respective support either 

in the north among the Temne or in the south among the Mende. 

The palm tree and the rice grain are symbols recognized nationally, represented in 

currency, song, and folklore, and valued for their contributions to everyday life. Different 

species of palms contribute to cooking oil, thatch roofs, fermented wine, soap, fruits, and 

nuts. Rice is the staple food, usually eaten every day. It is often hard for outsiders to grasp 

the centrality of rice to daily existence in Sierra Leone. Mende people, for example, have 

over 20 different words to describe rice in its variant forms, such as separate words for 

“sweet rice,” “pounded rice,” and “the rice that sticks to the bottom of a pot upon cooking.” 

Kola nuts are highly valued in and of themselves, and are often associated with greetings, 

diplomacy, and various other cultural interactions. High in caffeine concentration, they are 

also used as a stimulant, a clothing dye, and even in the preparation of medicines.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

9

The people of Sierra Leone welcome visitors and are proud to show off their country. 

Despite distinctive variations in language and local traditions, Sierra Leoneans today are 

united by many factors, such as their shared lingua franca Krio, widespread membership in 

men’s and women’s social associations and societies, and even sporting events, especially 

when the national football (soccer) team plays. Krio is particularly prevalent in trade and 

interaction across ethnic groups, and major men’s and women’s social organizations include 

Poro among men, and Bundu or Sande among women.

Environment 

Geographically, Sierra Leone starts with 250 miles of coastline, followed by low-lying 

mangrove swamps, rain-forested plains and farmland, and finally a mountainous plateau in 

the east with the highest peak at 6,390 feet. The climate is tropical, with two seasons 

determining the agricultural cycle: the rainy season from May to November, followed by the 

dry season from December to May, which includes Harmattan, when cool, dry winds blow in 

off the Sahara Desert. Only about 5 percent of Sierra Leone’s original forest remains. While 

mining is a primary economic sector, it contributes significantly to a number of ecological 

woes and pressures on water and other resources. 

As conflict has now ended, ecotourism and cultural tourism are on the rise, but is a very 

small component of the national economic pie at present. Much wildlife was displaced 

during the war, but chimpanzees and hippotamuses, as well as an incredible diversity of 

birds, are making a comeback.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

10

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Following is a list of websites for additional information about the Peace Corps, Sierra 

Leone, and to connect you to returned Volunteers and other invitees. Please keep in mind 

that although we try to make sure all these links are active and current, we cannot 

guarantee it. If you do not have access to the Internet, visit your local library. Libraries 

offer free Internet usage and often let you print information to take home.

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may find bulletin boards and 

chat rooms in which people are free to express opinions about the Peace Corps based on 

their own experience, including comments by those who were unhappy with their choice to 

serve in the Peace Corps. These opinions are not those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. 

government, and we hope you will keep in mind that no two people experience their service 

in the same way.

General Information About Sierra Leone

www.countrywatch.com

On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in the capital of Sierra 

Leone to how to convert from the dollar to the Sierra Leonean currency. Just click on 

Sierra Leone and go from there.

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the world.

www.state.gov

The State Department’s website issues background notes periodically about 

countries around the world. Find Sierra Leone and learn more about its social and 

political history. You can also go to the site’s international travel section to check on 

conditions that may affect your safety.

www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm

This includes links to all the official sites for governments worldwide.

www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm

This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information, and each 

country page contains links to other sites, such as the Library of Congress, that 

contain comprehensive historical, social, and political background.

www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

11

This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical information for member 

states of the U.N.

www.worldinformation.com

This site provides an additional source of current and historical information about 

countries around the world.

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

www.rpcv.org

This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up of returned 

Volunteers. On this site you can find links to all the Web pages of the “Friends of” 

groups for most countries of service, comprised of former Volunteers who served in 

those countries. There are also regional groups that frequently get together for social 

events and local volunteer activities. Or go straight to the Friends of Sierra Leone

site: www.fosalone.org.

www.PeaceCorpsWorldwide.org

This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It is a monthly online 

publication of essays and Volunteer accounts of their Peace Corps service.

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Sierra Leone 

http://freetown.usembassy.gov/

The official website of the United States Embassy in Sierra Leone has information 

on programs, policy, and consular affairs.

http://allafrica.com/sierraleone/

All Africa is a multimedia electronic distributor of African news and information 

worldwide. Registered in Mauritius, with offices in Johannesburg, Dakar, Lagos, 

and Washington, D.C.

http://www.fosalone.org/

Friends of Sierra Leone website. Friends of Sierra Leone is a group of former Peace 

Corps Volunteers and Sierra Leoneans supportive of development in the country.

http://www.sierra-leone.org/

The Sierra Leone Web, an independent site run by an RPCV.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

12

International Development Sites About Sierra Leone

countries/sierraleone/

The official website of the United States Agency for International Development, with 

details on its many programs in Sierra Leone.

http://www.worldbank.org/

The official website of the World Bank, look for information about Sierra Leone 

under the “Countries” tab.

Books About Sierra Leone

• Awooner-Renner, Marilyn. A Visual Geography of Sierra Leone. London: Evans. 

1987. 

• Bai-Sheka, Abou. Krio-English Dictionary. Kearney, Neb.: Morris Publishing, 2006.

• Beah, Ismail. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier. New York, N.Y.: Farrar, 

Straus and Giroux, 2007.

• Bergner, Daniel. In the Land of Magic Soldiers: A Story of White and Black in West 

Africa. New York, N.Y.: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003.

• Bergner, Daniel. Soldiers of Light. Penguin Books, 2005.

• Campbell, Greg. Blood Diamonds: Tracing The Deadly Path Of The World’s Most 

Precious Stones. Westview Press, 2002.

• Dooling, Richard. White Man’s Grave. New York: Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1994.

• Forna, Aminatta. The Devil that Danced on the Water: A Daughter’s Quest. Atlantic 

Monthly Press, 2002.

• Forna, Aminatta. Ancestors Stones. Bloomsbury, 2006.

• Fyfe, Christopher. History of Sierra Leone. Oxford University Press, 1962.

• Fyle, Cyril Magbaily. Historical Dictionary of Sierra Leone. Metuchen, N.J.: 

Scarecrow Press, 2006.

• Gberie, Lansana. A Dirty War in West Africa: The RUF and the Destruction of 

Sierra Leone. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2005.

• Grubb, P. Mammals of Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. St. Ives: Trendrine, 

1998.

• Hirsch, John. Sierra Leone: Diamonds and the Struggle for Democracy. L. Rienner 

Publishers, 2000.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

13

• James, Frederick Bobor, editor. Fishing in Rivers of Sierra Leone (oral literature 

stories and songs from Sierra Leone). Peoples Education Association of Sierra Leone, 

1987. 

• Jackson, Michael. Allegories of the Wilderness: Ethics and Ambiguity in Kuranko 

Narratives. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1982.

• Jackson, Michael. Barawa and the Ways Birds Fly in the Sky: An Ethnographic 

Novel. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1986.

• Jackson, Michael. In Sierra Leone. Duke University Press. 2007.

• Joy, Emily. Green Oranges on Lion Mountain. Eye Books, 2004.

• Kabba, Karamoh. A Mother’s Saga: An Account of the Rebel War in Sierra Leone.

Universal-Publishers, 2002.

• Kessler, Cristina. No Condition is Permanent. Philomel Books, 2000.

• Koroma, Abdul Karim. Crisis and Intervention in Sierra Leone 1997-2003. 

Andromeda Publications, 2004.

• Manson, Katrina and James Knight. Sierra Leone. Guilford, Conn.: Bradt Travel 

Guides, 2009.

• Marke, Roland. Teardrops Keep Falling. Minuteman Press, 2003.

• Mosele, Father Victor F. M. Running for My Life: Captive of the RUF Rebels in 

Sierra Leone. E. T. Nedder Publishing, 2006.

• Olonisakin, Funni. Peacekeeping in Sierra Leone: The Story of UNAMSIL. Lynne 

Rienner Publishers Inc., 2007.

• Osagie, Iyunolu Folayan. The Amistad Revolt: Memory, Slavery, and the Politics of 

Identity in the United States and Sierra Leone. University of Georgia Press, 2000.

• Peeters, Pia and Wendy Cuningham. Youth Employment in Sierra Leone: 

Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities in a Post-Conflict Setting. 2009.

• Reno, William. Corruption and State Politics in Sierra Leone (African Studies).

Cambridge University Press, 2008.

• Richards, Paul. Coping with Hunger: Hazard and Experiment in an African RiceFarming System. Boston and London: Allen & Unwin, 1986.

• Richards, Paul. Fighting for the Rain Forest: War, Youth and Resources in Sierra 

Leone. Portsmouth, N.H.: Heinemann, 1996.

• Richards, Paul. “Soccer and Violence in War-Torn Africa: Soccer and Social 

Rehabilitation in Sierra Leone.” In Entering the Field: New Perspectives on World 

Football. Edited by Gary Armstrong and Richard Giulianotti, Berg, 1997.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

14

• Stewart, Gary and John Amman. Black Man’s Grave: Letters from Sierra Leone. 

Berkeley Springs, W.V.: Cold Run Books, 2007. 

• Turay, Thomas Mark. “Sierra Leone: Peacebuilding in Purgatory,” In Patronage or 

Partnership: Local Capacity Building in Humanitarian Crises. Edited by Ian 

Smillie. Bloomfield, Conn.: Kumarian Press, 2001.

• Voeten, Teun. How de Body?: One Man’s Journey Through an African War. Thomas 

Dunne Books, 2002.

• World Bank. Education in Sierra Leone: Present Challenges, Future Opportunities. 

Washington, D.C.: The World Bank, 2007. http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/

default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2007/03/23/000310607_20070323142900/Rend

ered/PDF/391660SL0Educa101OFFICIAL0USE0ONLY1.pdf

• Yongai, Edison N. The War After the War. Tate Publishing, 2007.

Books About the History of the Peace Corps

• Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of 

the 1960s. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000.

• Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace Corps. Notre Dame, Ind.: 

University of Notre Dame Press, 1985.

• Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver. Washington, D.C.: 

Smithsonian Institution Press, 2004.

• Meisler, Stanley. When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the Peace Corps and its 

First 50 Years. Boston, Mass.: Beacon Press, 2011.

Books on the Volunteer Experience

• Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place. Santa Barbara, 

Calif.: McSeas Books, 2004.

• Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace Corps Experience. Gig 

Harbor, Wash.: Red Apple Publishing, 2000.

• Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African 

Village. New York, N.Y.: Picador, 2003.

• Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. New York, N.Y.: Perennial, 

2001.

• Kennedy, Geraldine ed. From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of the Peace 

Corps. Santa Monica, Calif.: Clover Park Press, 1991.

• Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. Seattle, Wash.: University 

of Washington Press, 1997 (reprint).
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

15

Recommended Films

• Amistad (1997). Dreamworks; directed by Steven Spielberg.

• Blood Diamond (2006). Warner Bros. Pictures.

• Cry Freetown (2000), Sierra Leone: Return to Freetown (2002) and Blood on the 

Stone (2007). By Sorious Samura and broadcasted on CNN International.

• Heart of the Matter (1954). Based on the book of the same name by Graham Greene.

• Family Across the Sea (1991). At http://www.folkstreams.net/film,166

• Lord of War (2005). Lions gate Entertainment, starring Nicolas Cage.

• Operation Fine Girl (2001). See excerpts at

http://hub.witness.org/en/OperationFineGirlExcerpts

• Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars (2005). See http://www.refugeeallstars.org/

• The Language We Cry In (1998). Purchase from 

http://newsreel.org/nav/title.asp?tc=CN0053
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

16

LIVING CONDITIONS AND 

VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE

Communications

Mail

Mail may be sent to:

[your name]

Peace Corps Volunteer

P.O. Box 905

Freetown, Sierra Leone

West Africa

Letter and parcel mail may be received at the above post office box number. It is 

recommended that expensive or irreplaceable items not be sent. Please keep in mind that 

mail delivery is difficult in Sierra Leone and does not exist outside of Freetown, so 

Volunteers should expect long delays in receipt of mail. While mail may be limited, it can be 

a great source of joy to both send and receive letters.

Telephones

Peace Corps/Sierra Leone provides each trainee with a cell phone upon arrival. This phone 

is linked to a “family plan” that allows trainees/Volunteers to call Peace Corps staff and 

fellow Volunteers/trainees for free. Not every PCV will have cell phone coverage at his/her 

home, but all will have coverage somewhere within or near their community. Many 

Volunteers find that calls originating from the U.S. are less expensive than calls from 

Sierra Leone so you might want to check out calling plans before you depart. It is not 

possible to make collect calls or calls to toll-free numbers from Sierra Leone. Note that 

Sierra Leone is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (four hours ahead during 

Daylight Savings Time).

Computer, Internet, and Email Access

Email is a good way to stay in communication, but access will vary according to location. 

There will be a few computers available for Volunteers in the Peace Corps office in 

Freetown, the nation’s capital, but trips to Freetown are infrequent. Some larger towns 

have Internet access in small Internet cafes. Bandwidth is typically limited in these 

centers. Volunteers might be able to access these resources on an occasional basis. Overall, 

you will have much less Internet access than you are used to in the U.S.

Please be aware and inform friends and family that communication options are much more 

limited than in the States and not to be concerned if they do not hear from you regularly.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

17

Housing and Site Location

Before Volunteers arrive, Peace Corps/Sierra Leone staff members, in collaboration with 

local partners, identify safe and secure Volunteer housing. Housing is provided by the 

school and/or community. Housing is in short supply in many regions of Sierra Leone, so be 

prepared for very basic housing. Each Volunteer will have his/her own house. Electricity 

will likely not be available and water may need to be carried from a neighborhood pump. 

Volunteers will have their own latrine and shower facilities. You must be prepared to 

accept the living conditions to which you are assigned as you will be living under the same 

conditions as the people with, and for whom, you work. The Peace Corps inspects all 

potential housing to ensure it meets its standards for health and safety. 

Most Volunteers are assigned to work in rural towns or large villages. The workplace will 

be within walking distance of your home, but it might be a long walk! Each Volunteer will 

be provided with a mountain bike and helmet, footlocker for safekeeping of valuables, 

medical kit, and water filter. Dependent on community need, the Peace Corps makes every 

effort to cluster Volunteers within reasonable distances of each other in order to promote 

collaborative efforts and minimize isolation.

Living Allowance and Money Management

Volunteers will receive a settling-in allowance to cover the basics they need, such as 

bedding, dishes, etc. 

In addition, Volunteers receive a monthly living allowance. The Volunteer living allowance 

is intended to cover regular expenses, such as food, transportation, work supplies, and 

clothing. It should allow you to maintain a standard of living comparable to your Sierra 

Leonean counterparts. Most Volunteers, however, find that the living allowance surpasses 

the resources of many community members. 

The official currency is the Leone (SLL or Le), which is divided into 100 cents. The banking 

system in Sierra Leone is rebuilding from the long period of war. Peace Corps payments are 

deposited monthly in bank accounts established by Volunteers at or near their sites. 

Because of high levels of fraud, Sierra Leone is predominately a cash economy and credit 

cards are not accepted at most places. There might be a few higher end hotels in Freetown 

that accept credit cards. The potential for credit card fraud, however, does exist and 

PC/Sierra Leone recommends that Volunteers not use credit cards in-country.

Food and Diet

In Sierra Leone, rice is the staple. Other favorite foods include plantains, fufu, and okra. 

Fufu is prepared from fermented cassava (manioc) and eaten with a soup. 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

18

The typical meal is a sauce called “soup” or “gravy” poured over rice. They can be thick 

stews of vegetables (such as okra or greens) with meat and/or fish, or more of a broth with 

meat and vegetables. Frequently, a combination of meats is used in the soup. The meat is 

not trimmed the way Americans are accustomed, so there are frequently bones or cartilage. 

The variety may be beef, chicken, or “bush meat” (which covers a wide variety of animals). 

Fish may be fresh, dried, or smoked. If meat or fish is not available, peanuts are always a 

good source of protein. Most cooked dishes will have meat in them. If you have the ability to 

remove the meat and eat the rest of the dish, then you will have more dietary choices. Strict 

vegetarians and vegans will be challenged.

Sierra Leone is graced with wonderful fruits, including pineapples, bananas, papaya, 

coconuts, and mangos. In season, fruits and vegetables are a good buy. Out of season, 

specific fruits may be unavailable and also unevenly distributed across the nation. It can be 

challenging to eat a well-balanced meal during some seasons and the variety of foods may 

be limited. 

Access to western style foods may also be very limited, so you will have to adapt your diet 

(and tastes) to local foods.

Transportation

Peace Corps country, Volunteers primarily use public transportation. Many of the roads 

and means of public transportation are in poor condition. Most rural roads are unpaved and 

for much of the year will be either muddy and rutted, or dusty, depending on the season. 

Up-country there are small taxis and medium-sized mini buses. In cars, there are usually 

two passengers in the front passenger seat and four in the back seat. You might also have 

chickens, produce, and some children (as only adults are counted as passengers). Be 

prepared to let go of your need for personal space. 

Motorcycle taxis have become widely used in Sierra Leone. Due to safety concerns, Peace 

Corps Volunteers are not permitted to use them. 

Vehicles from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and United Nations agencies (WFP, 

UNHCR, UNICEF) traverse the country and are sometimes an option based on 

relationships and friendships. 

You will receive in-depth training on all of the safety measures and policies related to 

transportation.

Geography and Climate

Sierra Leone borders the North Atlantic Ocean, Guinea, and Liberia and is slightly smaller 

than South Carolina. Sierra Leone has four physical regions: the coastal belt of mangrove 

swamps; the Sierra Leone Peninsula, with thickly wooded mountains that rise from the 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

19

swamps; the interior plains, consisting of grasslands and rolling wooded country; and the 

interior plateau and mountain regions. 

The climate, especially on the coast, is warm and humid year-round, dominated by a dry 

season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Rainfall along the 

coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches) a year, making it one of the wettest places along 

coastal, western Africa. The dusty and dry harmattan (desert winds) blows from the Sahara 

to the coast in December, bringing some relief from the high relative humidity with a 

nighttime temperature that can be as low as 16 degrees Celsius (60.8 degrees Fahrenheit). 

The average temperature is 26 C (78.8 F) and varies from around 26 C (78.8 F) to 36 C (96.8 

F) during the year.

Social Activities

You will be invited to the major celebrations in your village, such as marriages and 

baptisms, which usually feature music and a feast for all participants. There may be an 

opportunity to study local dance or drumming. Some villages may also have dance halls 

(discos) or bars, but your activities there will be decided by the cultural norms in your 

community.

There will also be times you see other Volunteers and take advantage of the time to relax 

and process your new life as a Volunteer. The best opportunities for socializing, however, 

will come when you have made friends at your site. Be prepared to spend a Friday night 

talking about how much rain fell that week and what that means for the crops or sharing 

ways you adapted to your new home with a fellow teacher who just moved to your 

community. You will find yourself looking forward to moments like these.

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

One of the difficulties of finding your place as a Peace Corps Volunteer is fitting into the 

local culture while maintaining your own cultural identity. It is not an easy situation to 

resolve, but we can provide you with some guidelines. As a professional at the invitation of 

a government ministry, you will be expected to dress and behave professionally both on and 

off the job.

While some of your Sierra Leonean counterparts may dress in seemingly worn or shabby 

clothes, this is more likely a matter of economics than choice. It is likely that they are 

wearing their best and work very hard to keep their clothes clean and as presentable as 

possible. Much importance is placed on appearance in this culture, and you should always 

try your best to present a neat, clean, and professional appearance.

In general, dress is more conservative, particularly for women. Short skirts (short is defined 

as anything above the knee), tops that expose your stomach or lower back, low-rise 

jeans/pants, backless dresses, spaghetti strap tops, and shorts (outside of sporting activities 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

20

where long shorts are appropriate) are considered inappropriate for female Volunteers. 

Slacks are acceptable for women, although most women will wear skirts or dresses. 

Long hair and long beards are not normal for men in this society. While there is no 

restriction in place, please be aware that a male Volunteer with long hair or a long beard 

will attract unwanted attention and might have to work harder to prove his 

professionalism. Shorts are normally worn by boys or students rather than men. It is 

appropriate to wear shorts for sporting events or around the house and yard; otherwise, 

pants or jeans are appropriate.

Visible tattoos and body piercing may attract unwanted attention and commentary. 

Earrings and nose rings on men may create concerns among supervisors and counterparts, 

or minimally, bring questions and unwanted attention.

It is against the law for civilians to wear military fatigue dress or camouflaged uniforms or 

clothing. 

Personal Safety

More detailed information about the Peace Corps’ approach to safety is contained in the 

“Health Care and Safety” chapter, but it is an important issue and cannot be 

overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer 

entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes 

alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived 

as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers 

experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and 

burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, 

although most Sierra Leone Volunteers complete their two years of service without 

incident. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed to help you 

reduce your risks and enhance your safety and security. These procedures and policies, in 

addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Sierra Leone. Using these

tools, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and well-being.

Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers with the 

support they need to successfully meet the challenges they will face to have a safe, healthy,

and productive service. We encourage Volunteers and families to look at our safety and 

security information on the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov/safety. 

Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health and Volunteer safety. 

There is a section titled “Safety and Security – Our Partnership.” Among topics addressed 

are the risks of serving as a Volunteer, posts’ safety support systems, and emergency 

planning and communications.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

21

Rewards and Frustrations

Living and working in Sierra Leone will not be easy. Your challenges will stem in part from 

the differences between American and Sierra Leonean cultures. You are a guest in Sierra 

Leone and will need to learn to become effective within the Sierra Leonean culture. You will 

need all of your technical skills, but more importantly, you will need to learn how to adapt 

those skills to the interpersonal situations that you experience. 

Life for a Peace Corps Volunteer can be in a “fishbowl,” with everyone being curious and 

interested in all of your activities. You will need to manage all of the attention you receive, 

be it welcome or unwelcome. You will need to be sensitive to the fact that you represent the 

Peace Corps 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need to consider your actions so the 

Volunteers who come after you will benefit from the same excellent Peace Corps reputation 

that you will enjoy.

Sources of frustration are myriad: the inability to communicate effectively at first, 

loneliness, the slow pace of change, disinterest or lack of understanding by others as to 

what you are trying to do, and the lack of positive reinforcement. 

As part of Peace Corps’ return to Sierra Leone, there are special challenges and rewards. 

The infrastructure of the country is not developed, so you will need patience. Simple tasks, 

like making or completing a phone call, take longer. Transportation is a huge challenge, 

with difficult roads, as well as limited and run-down public transportation options.

There will be certain cultural and interpersonal situations that will take a long time to 

understand and appreciate. You might hear personal stories that are difficult to hear or you 

might not be able to discuss certain personal topics with people you consider your friends 

and family. You will need patience, empathy, and the ability to recognize appropriate 

boundaries. 

While the challenges may seem numerous, the rewards can be tremendous. As you 

integrate into a totally different culture, you will be amazed at how quickly people accept 

and welcome you, quick to forgive a cultural blunder. Most Volunteers come to realize that 

the most important and lasting achievements of service are very personal in nature and are 

realized in the context of relationships. These relationships are with people from different 

socioeconomic backgrounds, of different ages, and with different opportunities for their 

future. These friendships are built upon mutual respect, often after seeing you adjust to the 

physical hardships to which Sierra Leoneans have grown accustomed and in appreciation of 

your becoming a true community member, embracing the local culture.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

22

PEACE CORPS TRAINING

Pre-Service Training

Pre-service training is the first event within a competency-based training program that 

continues throughout your 27 months of service in Sierra Leone. Pre-service training 

ensures that Volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to 

effectively perform their jobs. On average, nine of 10 trainees are sworn in as Volunteers. 

Pre-service training is conducted in Sierra Leone and directed by the Peace Corps with 

participation from representatives of Sierra Leone organizations, former Volunteers, and 

serving Volunteers. The length of pre-service training is 10 weeks. Sierra Leone measures 

achievement of learning and determines if trainees have successfully achieved 

competencies, including language standards, for swearing in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. 

Throughout service, Volunteers strive to achieve performance competencies. Initially, preservice training affords the opportunity for trainees to develop and test their own resources. 

As a trainee, you will play an active role in self-education. You will be asked to decide how 

best to set and meet objectives and to find alternative solutions. You will be asked to 

prepare for an experience in which you will often have to take the initiative and accept 

responsibility for decisions. The success of your learning will be enhanced by your own 

effort to take responsibility for your learning and through sharing experiences with others.

Peace Corps training is founded on adult learning methods and often includes experiential 

“hands-on” applications, such as conducting a participatory community needs assessment, 

teaching practicum, and facilitating groups. Successful training results in competence in 

various technical, linguistic, cross-cultural, health, and safety and security areas. 

Integrating into the community is usually one of the core competencies Volunteers strive to 

achieve both in pre-service training and during the first several months of service. 

Successful sustainable development work is based on the local trust and confidence 

Volunteers build by living in, and respectfully integrating into, the Sierra Leone community 

and culture. Trainees are prepared for this through a “homestay” experience, which 

requires trainees to live with host families during pre-service training. Integration into the 

community not only facilitates good working relationships, but it fosters language learning 

and cross-cultural acceptance and trust, which help ensure your health, safety, and 

security. 

Woven into the competencies, the ability to communicate in the host country language is 

critical to being an effective Peace Corps Volunteer. So basic is this precept that it is spelled 

out in the Peace Corps Act: No person shall be assigned to duty as a Volunteer under this 

act in any foreign country or area unless at the time of such assignment he (or she) 

possesses such reasonable proficiency as his (or her) assignment requires in speaking the 

language of the country or area to which he (or she) is assigned.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

23

Qualifying for Service 

The pre-service training experience provides an opportunity not only for the Peace Corps to 

assess a trainee’s competence, but for trainees to re-evaluate their commitment to serve for 

27 months to improve the quality of life of the people with whom Volunteers live and work 

and, in doing so, develop new knowledge, skills, and attitudes while adapting existing ones. 

Peace Corps/Sierra Leone’s competencies are designed to be accomplished throughout the 

Volunteer’s 27 months of learning. A trainee may not be able to complete all learning 

objectives for a competency during pre-service training; however, he or she must show 

adequate progress toward achieving the competencies in order to become a Volunteer.

Sierra Leone’s competencies will be provided to all trainees at the beginning of pre-service 

training.

Evaluation of your performance throughout service is a continual process, as Volunteers are 

responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for personal conduct and professional 

performance. Successful completion of pre-service training is characterized by achievement 

of a set of learning objectives to determine competence. Failure to meet any of the selection 

standards by the completion of training may be grounds for a withdrawal of selection and 

disqualification from Peace Corps service.

Progress in one’s own learning is a dialogue between you and the training staff. All of the 

training staff—including the training manager, and the language, technical, medical, safety 

and security, and cross-cultural trainers—will work with you toward the highest possible 

competencies by providing you with feedback on learning objective performance throughout 

training. After reviewing and observing your performance, the country director is 

responsible for making the final decision on whether you have qualified to serve as a 

Volunteer in the host country.

Upon successful completion of training, trainees who qualify for Peace Corps service are 

required by law to swear or affirm an oath of loyalty to the United States; it cannot be 

waived under any circumstances. The text of the oath is provided below. If you have any 

questions about the wording or meaning of the oath, consult a staff member during 

training. 

I, (your name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the 

Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, domestic or foreign, that I 

take this obligation freely, and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and 

that I will well and faithfully discharge my duties in the Peace Corps (so help me God).

Technical Training

Technical training will prepare you to work in Sierra Leone by building on the skills you 

already have and helping you develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

24

the country. The Peace Corps staff, Sierra Leone experts, and current Volunteers will 

conduct the training program. Training places great emphasis on learning how to transfer 

the skills you have to the community in which you will serve as a Volunteer. 

Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and political environment 

in Sierra Leone and strategies for working within such a framework. You will review your 

technical sector’s goals and will meet with the Sierra Leone agencies and organizations that 

invited the Peace Corps to assist them. You will be supported and evaluated throughout the 

training to build the confidence and skills you need to undertake your project activities and 

be a productive member of your community.

Language Training

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are key to personal and 

professional satisfaction during your service. These skills are critical to your job 

performance, they help you integrate into your community, and they can ease your personal 

adaptation to the new surroundings. Therefore, language training is at the heart of the 

training program. You must successfully meet minimum language requirements to 

complete training and become a Volunteer. Sierra Leone language instructors teach formal 

language classes five days a week in small groups of four to five people.

Your language training will incorporate a community-based approach. In addition to 

classroom time, you will be given assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with 

your host family. The goal is to get you to a point of basic social communication skills so you 

can practice and develop language skills further once you are at your site. Prior to being 

sworn in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language studies during 

your service.

Cross-Cultural Training

As part of your pre-service training, you will live with a Sierra Leone host family. This 

experience is designed to ease your transition to life at your site. Families go through an 

orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the purpose of pre-service training 

and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in Sierra Leone. Many Volunteers form 

strong and lasting friendships with their host families.

Cross-cultural and community development training will help you improve your 

communication skills and understand your role as a facilitator of development. You will be 

exposed to topics such as community mobilization, conflict resolution, gender and 

development, nonformal and adult education strategies, and political structures.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

25

Health Training

During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical training and information. You 

will be expected to practice preventive health care and to take responsibility for your own 

health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required to attend all medical 

sessions. The topics include preventive health measures and minor and major medical 

issues that you might encounter while in Sierra Leone. Nutrition, mental health, setting up 

a safe living compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted 

diseases (STDs) are also covered.

Safety Training

During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle that reduces your

risks at home, at work, and during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective 

strategies for coping with unwanted attention and about your individual responsibility for 

promoting safety throughout your service.

Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service

In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the Peace Corps has implemented a 

training system that provides Volunteers with continual opportunities to examine their 

commitment to Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and cross-cultural 

skills. During service, there are usually three training events. The titles and objectives for 

those trainings are as follows: 

• In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to upgrade their 

technical, language, and project development skills while sharing their experiences 

and reaffirming their commitment after having served for three to six months.

• Midterm conference (done in conjunction with technical sector in-service): Assists 

Volunteers in reviewing their first year, reassessing their personal and project 

objectives, and planning for their second year of service.

• Close-of-service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after Peace Corps 

service and reviews their respective projects and personal experiences. 

The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to country-specific needs 

and conditions. The key to the training system is that training events are integrated and 

interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation through the end of your service, and are 

planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps staff, 

and Volunteers.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

26

YOUR HEALTH CARE AND

SAFETY IN SIERRA LEONE 

The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health and safety of every 

Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the 

curative, approach to disease. The Peace Corps in Sierra Leone maintains a clinic with a 

full-time medical officer, who takes care of Volunteers’ primary health care needs. 

Additional medical services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also available in 

Country X at local hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will be transported either to an 

American-standard medical facility in the region or to the United States.

Health Issues in Sierra Leone

Major health problems among Peace Corps Volunteers are rare and are often the result of a 

Volunteer not taking preventative measures to stay healthy. 

The most common health problems here are minor ones that are also found in the United 

States, such as colds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation, sinus infections, skin infections, 

headaches, dental problems, minor injuries, adjustment disorders, emotional problems, and 

alcohol abuse. These problems may be more frequent or compounded by life in Sierra Leone 

because certain environmental factors here raise the risk and/or exacerbate the severity of 

illness and injuries.

The most common major health concerns here are malaria, amoebic dysentery, giardia, 

schistosomiasis, lassa fever, dengue fever, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and 

HIV/AIDS. 

Because malaria is endemic in Sierra Leone, Volunteers must take anti-malarial 

medication and use other recommended prevention strategies, including mosquito nets and 

insect repellent. Amoebic dysentery and giardia can be avoided by frequent hand washing, 

thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, and treating your drinking water. Additionally, 

you can avoid contracting schistosomiasis by not swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes, 

ponds, and rivers. The risk of lassa fever is low as Peace Corps does not place Volunteers in 

lassa fever-affected areas. Personal protection methods to prevent mosquito bites will lower 

the risk of dengue fever. Practicing abstinence or safer sex will protect against STDs and 

HIV.

Helping You Stay Healthy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations, medications, and 

information to stay healthy. Upon your arrival in Sierra Leone, you will receive a medical 

handbook. At the end of training, you will receive a medical kit with supplies to take care of 

mild illnesses and first aid needs. The contents of the kit are listed later in this chapter. 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

27

During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical supplies through the 

medical officer. However, you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs 

and any other specific medical supplies you require, as the Peace Corps will not order these 

items during training. Please bring a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, 

since they may not be available here and it may take several months for shipments to 

arrive. 

You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your service. If you develop a 

serious medical problem during your service, the medical officer in Sierra Leone will 

consult with the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is determined that your 

condition cannot be treated in Sierra Leone, you may be sent out of the country for further 

evaluation and care.

Maintaining Your Health

As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for your own health. Proper 

precautions will significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The adage “An 

ounce of prevention ...” becomes extremely important in areas where diagnostic and 

treatment facilities are not up to the standards of the United States. The most important of 

your responsibilities in Sierra Leone is to take the following preventive measures:

It is extremely important to fully comply with the recommended drug regimen to 

prevent malaria. Malaria can be fatal for people who have no natural immunity to 

the disease (such as Volunteers). Thus, it is mandatory that you take your malaria 

prophylaxis regularly. Your medical officer will discuss specific recommendations for 

the prevention of malaria when you arrive in Sierra Leone. It is also important to 

prevent mosquito bites, through the use of mosquito nets and insect repellent.

Volunteers will be taught health prevention strategies during the medical sessions 

in pre-service training. It is essential to apply these lessons in your daily life in 

Sierra Leone to prevent significant illnesses.

Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and 

water precautions are taken. These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, 

hepatitis A, dysentery, Guinea worms, tapeworms, and typhoid fever. Your medical officer 

will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in Sierra Leone during preservice training.

Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with HIV and other sexually 

transmitted diseases. You are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen 

risk, use a condom every time you have sex. Whether your partner is a host country citizen, 

a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other 

STDs. You will receive more information from the medical officer about this important 

issue.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

28

Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent an 

unplanned pregnancy. Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate 

method to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive methods are available without charge 

from the medical officer. 

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or other 

designated facility for scheduled immunizations, and that you let the medical officer know 

immediately of significant illnesses and injuries.

Women’s Health Information

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions that require 

medical attention but also have programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is 

responsible for determining the medical risk and the availability of appropriate medical 

care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given the circumstances under which Volunteers 

live and work in Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps’ medical and 

programmatic standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met. 

If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase on the local market, the 

Peace Corps medical officer in Sierra Leone will provide them. If you require a specific 

product, please bring a three-month supply with you.

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit that contains basic items 

necessary to prevent and treat illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be 

periodically restocked at the medical office.

Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages

Adhesive tape

American Red Cross First Aid & Safety 

Handbook

Antacid tablets (Tums)

Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/

Polymycin B)

Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner 

(Hibiclens) 

Band-Aids

Butterfly closures

Calamine lotion

Cepacol lozenges

Condoms 

Dental floss

Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl) 

Insect repellent stick (Cutter’s)

Iodine tablets (for water purification)

Lip balm (Chapstick)

Oral rehydration salts

Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)

Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)

Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)

Scissors 

Sterile gauze pads 

Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)

Tinactin (antifungal cream)

Tweezers
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

29

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist

If there has been any change in your health – physical, mental, or dental – since you 

submitted your examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the 

Office of Medical Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy 

can endanger your health and may jeopardize your eligibility to serve. 

If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your physical exam is more than 

two years old, contact the Office of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update 

your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has recommended that you 

undergo dental treatment or repair, you must complete that work and make sure your 

dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical Services.

If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your physician’s office to obtain 

a copy of your immunization record and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you 

have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps cannot reimburse 

you for the cost. The Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your 

overseas assignment, either at your pre-departure orientation or shortly after you arrive in 

Sierra Leone. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior to departure.

Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you use on a 

regular basis, including birth control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you 

for this three-month supply, it will order refills during your service. While awaiting 

shipment – which can take several months – you will be dependent on your own medication 

supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as St. 

John’s wort, glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant supplements.

You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. This 

is not a requirement, but they might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about 

carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you – a pair and a spare. If a pair breaks, the 

Peace Corps will replace them, using the information your doctor in the United States 

provided on the eyeglasses form during your examination. The Peace Corps discourages you 

from using contact lenses during your service to reduce your risk of developing a serious 

infection or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate water 

and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not 

supply or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless an ophthalmologist has 

recommended their use for a specific medical condition and the Peace Corps’ Office of 

Medical Services has given approval.

If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health condition that 

may restrict your future participation in health care plans, you may wish to consult an 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

30

insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before your departure. The Peace Corps 

will provide all necessary health care from the time you leave for your pre-departure 

orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the 

post-service health care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You 

may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you 

think age or pre-existing conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current 

plan when you return home.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

31

SAFETY AND SECURITY:

OUR PARTNERSHIP

Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and 

traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a limited understanding of the local language and 

culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American are some of the factors that can 

put a Volunteer at risk. Property theft and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents of 

physical and sexual assault do occur, although almost all Volunteers complete their two 

years of service without serious personal safety problems.

Beyond knowing that Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with 

you, it might be helpful to see how this partnership works. Peace Corps has policies, 

procedures, and training in place to promote your safety. We depend on you to follow those 

policies and to put into practice what you have learned. An example of how this works in 

practice – in this case to help manage the risk of burglary – is:

• Peace Corps assesses the security environment where you will live and work

• Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live according to established security 

criteria

• Peace Corps provides you with resources to take measures such as installing new 

locks 

• Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country authorities in your new 

community

• Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you raise

• You lock your doors and windows

• You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community where you live

• You get to know neighbors

• You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is appropriate for you

• You don’t change residences before being authorized by Peace Corps

• You communicate concerns that you have to Peace Corps staff

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s risk, many of which are within 

the Volunteer’s control. By far the most common crime that Volunteers experience is theft. 

Thefts often occur when Volunteers are away from their sites, in crowded locations (such as 

markets or on public transportation), and when leaving items unattended.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

32

Before you depart for Sierra Leone there are several measures you can take to reduce your 

risk: 

• Leave valuable objects in the U.S.

• Leave copies of important documents and account numbers with someone you trust 

in the U.S.

• Purchase a hidden money pouch or "dummy" wallet as a decoy

• Purchase personal articles insurance

After you arrive in Sierra Leone, you will receive more detailed information about common 

crimes, factors that contribute to Volunteer risk, and local strategies to reduce that risk. 

For example, Volunteers in Sierra Leone learn to:

• Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone trusted by the 

community whenever possible

• Make sure one’s personal appearance is respectful of local customs

• Avoid high-crime areas

• Know the local language to get help in an emergency

• Make friends with local people who are respected in the community 

• Limit alcohol consumption

As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard and adapt your lifestyle to 

minimize the potential for being a target for crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime 

does exist in Sierra Leone. You can reduce your risk by avoiding situations that place you at 

risk and by taking precautions. Crime at the village or town level is less frequent than in 

the large cities; people know each other and generally are less likely to steal from their 

neighbors. Tourist attractions in large towns are favorite worksites for pickpockets.

The following are other security concerns in Sierra Leone of which you should be aware:

• Unsafe transportation in taxis and minibuses

• In the major towns, especially Freetown, petty theft and pick pocketing of wallets, 

purses, cell phones, etc. occur in crowded markets, nightclubs/discos and/or 

beachfront areas.

While whistles and exclamations may be fairly common on the street, this behavior can be 

reduced if you dress conservatively, abide by local cultural norms, and respond according to 

the training you will receive. 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

33

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime

You must be prepared to take on a large degree of responsibility for your own safety. You 

can make yourself less of a target, ensure that your home is secure, and develop 

relationships in your community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. While the 

factors that contribute to your risk in Sierra Leone may be different, in many ways you can 

do what you would do if you moved to a new city anywhere: Be cautious, check things out, 

ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations are, use 

common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating 

into your community, learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding by Peace 

Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and effectively in Sierra Leone will require 

that you accept some restrictions on your current lifestyle.

Support from Staff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace Corps staff is prepared to 

provide support. All Peace Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of 

crime committed against Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an 

incident is to ensure the Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. After 

assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff response may include reassessing 

the Volunteer’s worksite and housing arrangements and making any adjustments, as 

needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. 

Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue legal 

sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report 

incidents as they occur, not only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the 

future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in the process that they want to 

proceed with the prosecution of their assailant, this option may no longer exist if the 

evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of the incident. 

Crime Data for Sierra Leone

Crime data and statistics for Sierra Leone, which is updated yearly, are available at the 

following link: http://www.peacecorps.gov/countrydata/sierraleone. Please take the time 

to review this important information.

Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and crimes that do occur overseas 

are investigated and prosecuted by local authorities through the local courts system. If you 

are the victim of a crime, you will decide if you wish to pursue prosecution. If you decide to 

prosecute, Peace Corps will be there to assist you. One of our tasks is to ensure you are 

fully informed of your options and understand how the local legal process works. Peace 

Corps will help you ensure your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible under the 

laws of the country.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

34

If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get to a safe location as 

quickly as possible and contact your Peace Corps office. It’s important that you notify Peace 

Corps as soon as you can so Peace Corps can provide you with the help you need.

Volunteer Safety Support in Sierra Leone

The Peace Corps’ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your 

service and includes the following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection 

criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, and protocols for addressing safety and security 

incidents. Sierra Leone’s in-country safety program is outlined below.

The Peace Corps/Sierra Leone office will keep you informed of any issues that may impact 

Volunteer safety through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in 

Volunteer newsletters and in memorandums from the country director. In the event of a 

critical situation or emergency, you will be contacted through the emergency 

communication network. An important component of the capacity of Peace Corps to keep 

you informed is your buy-in to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. It is 

expected that you will do your part in ensuring that Peace Corps staff members are kept 

apprised of your movements in-country so they are able to inform you.

Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and security issues in Sierra 

Leone. This training will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and 

exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while 

traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service and is integrated into the language, 

cross-cultural aspects, health, and other components of training. You will be expected to 

successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of areas, including safety and 

security, as a condition of service.

Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their 

arrival. The Peace Corps staff works closely with host communities and counterpart 

agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteer’s arrival and to establish expectations of 

their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before the 

Volunteer’s arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing and 

worksites. Site selection is based, in part, on any relevant site history; access to medical, 

banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications, 

transportation, and markets; different housing options and living arrangements; and other 

Volunteer support needs.

You will also learn about Peace Corps/Sierra Leone’s detailed emergency action plan, which 

is implemented in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you 

arrive at your site, you will complete and submit a site locator form with your address, 

contact information, and a map to your house. If there is a security threat, you will gather 

with other Volunteers in Sierra Leone at predetermined locations until the situation is 

resolved or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

35

Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers, it is 

imperative that Volunteers immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps 

office. The Peace Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and security 

incidents in a timely and appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates safety and

security data to track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

36

DIVERSITY AND

CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES

In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host countries, the Peace Corps is 

making special efforts to assure that all of America’s richness is reflected in the Volunteer 

corps. More Americans of color are serving in today’s Peace Corps than at any time in 

recent history. Differences in race, ethnic background, age, religion, and sexual orientation 

are expected and welcomed among our Volunteers. Part of the Peace Corps’ mission is to 

help dispel any notion that Americans are all of one origin or race and to establish that 

each of us is as thoroughly American as the other despite our many differences. 

Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways, however, it poses challenges. In 

Sierra Leone, as in other Peace Corps host countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyle, 

background, and beliefs are judged in a cultural context very different from their own. 

Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly accepted in the United States 

may be quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Sierra Leone. 

Outside of Sierra Leone’s capital, residents of rural communities have had relatively little 

direct exposure to other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as 

typical American behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as the belief that all 

Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The people of Sierra Leone are justly 

known for their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in 

which you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present. 

To ease the transition and adapt to life in Sierra Leone, you may need to make some 

temporary, yet fundamental compromises in how you present yourself as an American and 

as an individual. For example, female trainees and Volunteers may not be able to exercise 

the independence available to them in the United States; political discussions need to be 

handled with great care; and some of your personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed. 

You will need to develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with these and other 

limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead diversity and sensitivity discussions during preservice training and will be on call to provide support, but the challenge ultimately will be 

your own. 

Overview of Diversity in Sierra Leone

The Peace Corps staff in Sierra Leone recognizes the adjustment issues that come with 

diversity and will endeavor to provide support and guidance. During pre-service training, 

several sessions will be held to discuss diversity and coping mechanisms. We look forward 

to having male and female Volunteers from a variety of races, ethnic groups, ages, religions, 

and sexual orientations, and hope that you will become part of a diverse group of Americans 

who take pride in supporting one another and demonstrating the richness of American 

culture. 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

37

What Might a Volunteer Face? 

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers

Female Volunteers who are single are often considered an oddity because most women, 

particularly in rural areas, are married, many with children, by the time they are in their 

20s. Single women may also face what in the United States would be considered 

inappropriate advances from male colleagues, supervisors, and acquaintances. Gender roles 

have changed drastically over the years in the United States; it can be a challenge to adapt 

to a culture with more traditional roles and to know how to effectively set boundaries. 

Unwanted attention, and even harassment, can be one of the greatest frustrations as a 

female PCV. Strategies for minimizing such unwanted attention will be addressed 

thoroughly in pre-service training.

Above and beyond traditional gender roles and possible harassment, is the possibility of 

sexual violence. Sexual violence against women is a reality in Sierra Leone. Rape was used 

as a weapon of war and the government has launched campaigns to address this problem 

with the hope of reducing its occurrence. Domestic violence is also a possibility in this postconflict country. According to police, most acts of sexual violence occur between people who 

know each other. Female Volunteers must exercise caution with their consumption of 

alcohol and going out in the evening unaccompanied. Volunteers will learn what is and is 

not acceptable in the Sierra Leonean culture, such as when it is and is not advisable to 

invite men into their homes. Often, Volunteers must take an even more conservative 

approach than their Sierra Leonean friends and colleagues. 

Strategies to deal with these issues are discussed during training, and the Peace Corps 

staff can offer help in resolving any problems.

Volunteers should report any concerns or incidents to the Peace Corps medical officer 

(PCMO) or country director (CD) immediately.

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color

Volunteers who belong to minority ethnic groups will generally not experience overt biases. 

However, Sierra Leoneans may make some stereotypic assumptions based on someone’s 

background. For example, many Asian-American Volunteers are considered experts in 

Chinese or kung fu and African-American Volunteers may be mistaken for a Liberian or 

Sierra Leonean.

Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers

In Sierra Leonean culture, people believe age brings wisdom and experience. Volunteers in 

their 20s sometimes find they have to make an extra effort to be accepted as professional 

colleagues. Older Volunteers, in contrast, are automatically accorded respect. In turn, older 

Volunteers might find that almost too much is expected of them because of their age; or 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

38

conversely, older Volunteers who are accustomed to living independent lives may at first 

feel frustrated by the fact that younger Sierra Leoneans want to do things for them. For all 

trainees, living with a host family with some of the restrictions and protectiveness imposed 

by a traditional culture will be an early and significant introduction to some of the 

constraints PCVs will face during their service.

Possible Issues for Married Couple Volunteers

While serving as a married couple offers unique challenges and rewards, there are none 

specific to service in Sierra Leone. In general, more traditional gender roles exist. So, a 

married couple with a husband who helps cook or clean might draw teasing or even 

unwanted comments. This may serve as an opportunity to quietly share an alternative view 

of gender roles. Generally, couples will be regularly asked why they do not yet have 

children and when they will start a family. Couples live together during training and are 

normally assigned to different, but nearby schools.

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

Most cultures in Sierra Leone consider homosexuality taboo. Homosexuality certainly exists 

in Sierra Leone, but there is no open homosexual community.

Volunteers who are lesbian, along with female Volunteers who are heterosexual, will have 

to deal with constant questions about boyfriends, marriage, and sex. Some female 

Volunteers wear an “engagement ring” to avoid unwanted attention. While this practice 

might be helpful, it might also create complications.

Volunteers may not be able to freely discuss their sexual orientation with new friends and 

family; this can obviously be very difficult. Peace Corps staff is aware of this challenge and 

will offer support as you navigate through your new culture. Within the Peace Corps 

“family,” sexual diversity is supported and an informal LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and 

transgender) support group exists.

A recommended resource for support and advice prior to and during your service is the 

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender U.S. Peace Corps Alumni website at 

www.lgbrpcv.org. 

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

As part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services 

determined you were physically and emotionally capable, with or without reasonable 

accommodations, to perform a full tour of Volunteer service in Sierra Leone without 

unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or interruption of service. The Peace Corps/Sierra 

Leone staff will work with disabled Volunteers to make reasonable accommodations for 

them in training, housing, jobsites, or other areas to enable them to serve safely and 

effectively. 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

39

Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities

As part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services 

determined that you were physically and emotionally capable, with or without reasonable 

accommodations, to perform a full tour of Volunteer service in Sierra Leone without 

unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or interruption of service. The Peace Corps/ Sierra 

Leone staff will work with disabled Volunteers to make reasonable accommodations for 

them in training, housing, jobsites, or other areas to enable them to serve safely and 

effectively. 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

40

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Sierra Leone and is based on their 

experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each 

experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything on 

the list, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and 

professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, 

keep in mind that you have a 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can 

get almost everything you need in Sierra Leone. 

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Sierra Leone? 

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of 

baggage that exceeds those limits. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and 

will not pay the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these limits. The Peace Corps’ 

allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to 

exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more 

than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 100 pounds total with a maximum 

weight of 50 pounds for any one bag.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio 

transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their 

overseas assignments. Do not pack flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, 

cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important safety precaution.

What is the electric current in Sierra Leone? 

There is alternating current (ac) with a nominal voltage of 230 and approximately 50 hertz. 

The frequency is not stable, so look into surge protection if possible. Type D and G plugs are 

used, so bring converters (and adapters) as needed.

How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. You will 

be given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover your 

expenses. Volunteers often wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other 

countries. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring 

extra money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs. 

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave 

may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months 

of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends 

are welcome to visit you after pre-service training and the first three months of service as 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

41

long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not 

encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not 

able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance. 

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects; Volunteers are 

ultimately responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings. However, you can 

purchase personal property insurance before you leave. If you wish, you may contact your 

own insurance company; additionally, insurance application forms will be provided, and we 

encourage you to consider them carefully. Volunteers should not ship or take valuable items 

overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and expensive appliances are subject to loss, 

theft, and breakage, and in many places, satisfactory maintenance and repair services are 

not available. 

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Sierra Leone do not need an international driver’s license because they are 

prohibited from operating privately owned motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus 

or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses and minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and lots of 

walking. On very rare occasions, a Volunteer may be asked to drive a sponsor’s vehicle, but 

this can occur only with prior written permission from the country director. Should this 

occur, the Volunteer may obtain a local driver’s license. A U.S. driver’s license will facilitate

the process, so bring it with you just in case.

What should I bring as gifts for Country X friends and my host family?

This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift suggestions include 

knickknacks for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from 

your area; hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or photos to give away.

Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be?

Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until after they have completed 

pre-service training. This gives Peace Corps staff the opportunity to assess each trainee’s 

technical and language skills prior to assigning sites, in addition to finalizing site selections 

with their ministry counterparts. If feasible, you may have the opportunity to provide input 

on your site preferences, including geographical location, distance from other Volunteers, 

and living conditions. However, keep in mind that many factors influence the site selection 

process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement where you would ideally like 

to be. Most Volunteers live in small towns or in rural villages and are usually within one 

hour from another Volunteer. Some sites require a 8- to 10-hour drive from the capital.

How can my family contact me in an emergency?
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

42

The Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services (OSS) provides assistance in handling 

emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the United 

States, instruct your family to notify the Office of Special Services immediately if an 

emergency arises, such as a serious illness or death of a family member. During normal 

business hours, the number for the Office of Special Services is 855.855.1961, then select 

option 2; or directly at 202-692-1470. After normal business hours and on weekends and 

holidays, the OSS duty officer can be reached at the above number. For non-emergency 

questions, your family can get information from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps 

by calling 855.855.1961. 

Can I call home from Sierra Leone? 

The cell phone system in Sierra Leone is improving but there are still some sites that do not 

have regular coverage. Volunteers are regularly able to call and receive calls from the U.S. 

It is cheaper for the call to originate in America so you may want to explore phone card 

options before your departure. The Sierra Leone international dialing code is 232.

Should I bring a cellular phone with me?

Peace Corps/Sierra Leone will provide you with a cell phone soon after your arrival that 

allows you to call other trainees/Volunteers and staff free of charge. Usage charges are 

based on the amount of minutes used. Phone scratch cards, for calls outside the PC 

“family,” are sold for an average of Le 10,200 ($2.50 USD) per card and a modest amount of 

basic costs for this purpose has been calculated into your living allowance.

Will there be email and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?

The climate and environment in Sierra Leone are very hard on electrical equipment. 

Additionally, if you do bring a laptop or other electronic device, it will be challenging to 

keep it charged since electricity is typically not available in Volunteer’s homes. Most 

Volunteers charge cell phones and other electronic equipment in generator-powered cell 

charging kiosks located in almost all locales. Having said this, many PCVs have found that 

a low-end computer was valuable for reports, lesson preparation, and receiving Internet, 

when possible. Electronic devices, especially computers, are also seen as valuable items and 

are at risk for theft, if not adequately secured.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

43

WELCOME LETTERS FROM

COUNTRY VOLUNTEERS

Dear Volunteers,

We are so excited about your upcoming service! You are embarking on an adventure that 

will undoubtedly change your lives. Our time as education Volunteers in a village at the 

end of a very rough road certainly changed ours. From 1976 to 1978 we taught in a 

community school whose first principal in the late-1960s had been a Peace Corps Volunteer. 

Not only did we make lifelong friends, but we also learned much that affected our 

professional ambitions. Your participation in the “return” of Peace Corps after the 

heartbreaking rebel war signals hope for a country where tragedy has touched every 

household. That war devastated the educational system and dashed the educational 

aspirations of a decade’s cohort of students.

Visitors to Sierra Leone often develop deep attachments to the people there. This is 

certainly true of many returned Peace Corps Volunteers who have maintained contact after 

their service, and Sierra Leoneans, likewise, remember their Peace Corps teachers and 

friends with great fondness. We have been fortunate to have participated in volunteer 

educational projects in Sierra Leone yearly since 2005 (www.hope4salone.org and 

www.fosalone.org/fraz.php). These projects have involved building and refurbishing 

classrooms and offering professional development for junior secondary science and 

mathematics teachers and for primary teachers. During our trips we have been amazed at 

just how many people would share a special memory of a Peace Corps Volunteer they knew. 

On one occasion we had the chance to visit our village at the end of the road. The people 

asked if we didn’t think the road was much improved. We smiled politely. The real treat of 

that visit was a reception at the school where the current principal recited a litany of all the 

Volunteers who had served at the school and in the community—almost as if the Peace 

Corps had attained status as a family whose history warranted remembering. Meeting 

former students among the teaching staff made the reception particularly poignant. 

This past year several of us former Volunteers offered a professional development workshop 

for teachers in Bo. The workshop emphasized bookmaking, literacy, science, mathematics, 

health, and environmental studies. The content for the teacher-made books came from the 

local environment. Though many teachers point to the lack of materials as one of the 

greatest challenges for teaching and learning, they are also enthusiastic about the natural 

and cultural richness of Sierra Leone. They are also optimistic about the promise of 

education to improve lives—even when every need seems to cry out for priority. 

You may find yourself wondering at times: How can a country that is rich in so many ways 

be so poor? Or, how is it that the Volunteer who comes to give, benefits immeasurably in 

return? We ponder these questions still, and we also remain committed to the bonds we 

have made with our new and old friends in Sierra Leone. We hold in high regard your 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

44

willingness to pick up the legacy of the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone and hope you will find 

the experience as intensely meaningful as we and so many other returned Volunteers have. 

Your new students and colleagues are eager to meet you, to befriend you, to learn from you, 

and to teach you, as well, about Sweet Salone.

Na in dat,

Drs. Richard and Catherine Frazier

Njala Komboya, Sierra Leone (1976-1978)

Dear Volunteers,

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers remember their service in Sierra Leone very fondly. 

Many of us are jealous of your opportunity.

You have the Internet at your fingertips, so read up before you go. When I went in the early 

1990s, information was hard to come by. So, when the Peace Corps started talking about 

rebel incursions over the border, I didn’t have the context. Context is even more important 

today, with Sierra Leone recovering from war. 

In the early 1990s, I read a publication listing Sierra Leone as a “fifth world” country 

because it had gone backwards in its development since its independence from Britain in 

the 1950s. There was little power or running water and roads were deteriorating. That will 

be even truer today, with little opportunity for community or economic development over 

the past 20 years. Amid war, Sierra Leoneans have either returned to their subsistence 

roots in the villages, or piled onto the teaming masses in the capital city. Most likely, you 

will be placed amid those subsistence roots, and seeing that way of life is a rare thing in 

today’s world. 

Sierra Leoneans will be excited about the return of the Peace Corps, and they have always 

been very friendly to Americans. However, you will also find desperate people who will see 

you only as a way to improve themselves. You’ll have some instant celebrity, and that can 

be hard to deal with. You will have to make very hard daily determinations about motives. 

Do not let this deter you from meeting all the people you can! Be open, but be wary. Be 

quick to smile, but deliberate in deciding who and how to help.

Prepare to be patient and flexible. In the months when teachers were not on strike, I taught 

in classrooms that were poorly equipped and filled with students who were not ready to 

learn the high school math I had come to teach. I had to throw out my assumptions and 

seek the counsel of Sierra Leoneans around me. We learn more from the people we serve 

than they learn from us. That, too, is one of the goals of the Peace Corps.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

45

A big difference now, though, is that you will have cellphone and Internet connections that 

will make your service much less remote than mine. You will even be able to communicate 

with returned Volunteers who will be eager to answer your questions and maybe even 

provide resources for your special projects. We will want to know how you’re doing, and we 

will be watching you warmly.

Mark Hager

Kamakwie, Sierra Leone (1991-1992)

Faculty, Arizona State University

Dear Invitee, 

Welcome to the opportunity of a lifetime! I know you’ve been waiting for your invitation to 

come in the mail, and now you have the chance to join PC/Sierra Leone. I remember my 

tangled emotions of anxiety about leaving my life in America, mixed with excitement about 

beginning a new experience far away. The unknown can be scary. We all feel this way. But 

I’ll tell you one thing; I’ve never regretted my decision to go. I’m so lucky to be here in 

Sierra Leone. 

During your service you’ll play many roles. First and foremost, you are a teacher. I teach 

English to middle school girls. The challenges can be daunting: limited resources, language 

barriers, multilevel learners, large class sizes. But don’t fear, you’re in a unique position. 

You come with a strong education background and bring new perspectives and ideas. At the 

same time, your own capacity for problem solving, patience, creativity, and conflict 

resolution will grow. Talk about a resume builder! 

You’ll also be a community member, neighbor, friend, adopted child, and resident expert on 

all things American. You’ll fetch water, laugh, cook, wash clothes, discuss ideas, and eat 

with Sierra Leoneans. Adjusting to life in a village has its difficulties. You’ll have good days 

and not so good days. You’ll have to give up many conveniences of American life. But you’ll 

become close with some of the friendliest and giving people I have ever met. You have to be 

willing to sacrifice the small things to receive bigger rewards. Open yourself up to new 

experiences and be flexible. 

One of your most interesting new roles will be serving as ambassador of Sierra Leone to 

your family and friends back home. The support and understanding of your loved ones is 

important and, in return, you get to share your service with them. My family learns about 

Salone though my eyes. I also communicate with a middle school class in my hometown 

through the Coverdell World Wise Schools program. I enjoy the chance to share a positive 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

46

image of Africa with Americans who otherwise might never be exposed to its many 

qualities. 

When you’re making the decision to join the Peace Corps, you have to ask yourself many 

questions. But don’t stress. Everything will work itself out. You can do this. Plus it’s fun! 

We’re eagerly preparing for your arrival. I can’t wait to meet you. Congratulations! 

Meghan Welsh,

Moyamba, Sierra Leone (2010-2012) 

Dear Invitee, 

Seneo Seneo! (That is Mende for congratulations!) You are about to embark on one of the 

truly great adventures of your life. Sierra Leone is a nation that is not only in need of your 

service, talent, and energy; but also is desirous of it and will express its appreciation in 

more ways than you can imagine. What is most fortuitous about this experience is that you 

will have it in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The beauty of Sierra Leone 

is not contained in its colorful cities, idyllic beaches, lush mountains, or diverse wildlife—its 

beauty exists in its people. Sierra Leoneans are some of the friendliest people you will ever 

meet. You cannot help becoming intoxicated by their humor, warmth, food, music, will, and 

spirit. 

As you sift through the surplus of pages in this Welcome Book, I can only imagine the vast 

spectrum of emotions you are feeling, heart beating, and head spinning. That is good. Most 

meaningful endeavors begin in trepidation. It is somewhat ironic that what makes this job, 

this journey, most fulfilling is that it is not about you. It is about your neighbor, your 

school, and your community. It is about your fellow Volunteer and representing your 

country with class and dignity. But Salone cannot be comprehended through hearsay. You 

must experience Salone with your eyes, mind, and heart. 

Sincerely, 

Liam Flaherty 

Jimmi Bagbo, Sierra Leone (2010-2012)
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

47

PACKING LIST

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Sierra Leone and is based on their 

experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each 

experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything on 

the list, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and 

professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, 

keep in mind that you have an 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can 

get almost everything you need in Sierra Leone. 

General Clothing 

Women

• Two to three-week supply of cotton underwear

• Five to eight bras, including a sports bra (good bras are unavailable locally)

• A few pairs of socks

• Three nice outfits appropriate for teaching, conferences, and meetings (Most women 

will wear dresses or skirts, but pants are acceptable)

• Two or three casual long dresses/skirts that cover your knees, even when sitting 

(sleeveless or very wide straps are OK, but spaghetti straps are not appropriate)

• Two or three casual long skirts that cover your knees, even when sitting (dresses 

and skirts can be part of the “three nice outfits”)

• One or more pairs of jeans or pants 

• Two to four cotton shirts (used ones can be bought locally—sleeveless or very wide 

straps are OK, but spaghetti straps are not appropriate)

• Two or three short-sleeved, button-down or polo-type collared shirts

• Clothes for outside of work

• One sweater/cardigan

• Rain jacket

• Swimsuit (two-piece is fine)

• One or two pairs of long shorts if you plan to participate in sports

• Hats or caps for sun protection

• Five or more bandannas (for dusty taxi rides)

Men

• Two- to three-week supply of cotton underwear
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

48

• A few pairs of socks 

• Three nice outfits (business casual, possibly one with a coat and tie) appropriate for 

teaching, conferences, and meetings

• One pair of jeans

• Two pairs of casual pants (can be part of the “three nice outfits”)

• Three or four short-sleeved, button-down, or polo-type collared shirts

• Two to four T-shirts (easy to buy used ones locally if you need more during your 

service). 

• One or two long-sleeved shirts and one or two ties

• One pair of shorts

• Swimsuit

• Five or more bandannas (for dusty taxi rides)

• Hooded sweatshirt or sweater

• Belt (leather acquires mold rather quickly)

• Rain jacket (very light and very good)

• One tie

Shoes

• One pair of sandals 

• One pair of running/walking shoes 

• One pair of nice work shoes (nice sandals are fine for the office and travel; however, 

closed-toe shoes may be more appropriate). You may wish to have shoes that are 

water proof or that may be washed if dirty

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items 

• Two to four toothbrushes

• At least two tubes of toothpaste

• Mouthwash with fluoride (if you choose)

• Vitamins (if you prefer a specific brand) 

• Face wash; face scrub or mask

• Moisturizers, lotions

• Shampoo, conditioner, and soap

• Brush and/or comb
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

49

• Razor blades (enough for your normal shaving routine)

• Makeup and nail polish (if you choose)

• Tweezers, nail clippers, pummel stone

• Travel toothbrush and soap holders

• Small bottles of gel hand sanitizer

• Two pairs of prescription glasses—PCVs think contacts are OK (although not 

recommended by medical unit), but you must bring solution

• Hand sanitizer

• Soap and toothbrush holders

The following are included in your medical kit. Just bring a small supply to get started, 

unless you want a specific brand:

• Sunscreen 

• Mosquito repellant 

• Feminine hygiene products, preferably menstrual cup (Diva Cup, Keeper, etc.)

Miscellaneous

• Umbrella 

• Hat for sun protection

• Good-quality sunglasses

• Wristwatch (not “showy”) 

• Refillable water bottle like Nalgene 

• Swiss Army-type knife or Leatherman-type tool (remember to pack in checked 

luggage)

• Zip-close plastic bags (some large, some small) and Tupperware

• Flashlight or headlamp (mini-maglight style might be the easiest to carry around) 

• Extra batteries (consider rechargeable or solar-powered) 

• Camera and memory sticks 

• Laptop (be aware of potential theft or loss and the expense of Internet connectivity)

• iPod, MP3 player, or CD player with mini-speakers (Local radios will play MP3s on 

USB memory sticks or Mini SD memory cards)

• Adaptors 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

50

• Sheet (full size) or sack sleeping bag (available in travel catalogues like 

www.dreamsack.com)

• Pillow (pillows are sold locally, but quality varies)

• Frisbee, volleyball, football, playing cards, etc.

• Photos from home

• Journal

• Travel alarm clock

• Simple calculator (solar-powered is best)

• Calendar/planner

• A good book or two

• Musical instrument (if you play one)

• Sewing kit

• Art supplies (e.g., markers, colored pencils, glue, glitter, construction paper, sketch 

books) 

• Something that reminds you of home, or makes you feel happy and/or luxurious

• Backpack for travel within country (35-40 liter) and a multi-day pack (70-liter) 

• Quick dry towel

• Duct tape

• Solar charger for iPod and phone (cell phone is provided by PC)

• Sleeping pad

• Calculator

• Combination lock 

• Nice kitchenware, such as a knife, can opener, vegetable peeler 

• American stamps

• $100-$300 for emergencies/travel (bring big bills recently made) 

• Laptop computer (bring case for dust/environment)

• Sports balls deflated/Frisbee (can be bought here and will be ruined immediately)

• “Must have” cooking spices

• Textbooks (recognize that the level of students is much lower than back home)

• Pens (can’t find good ones here)

• Pencils 
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

51

• Markers (Sharpies; all others available here)

• Things to make you feel pretty

• Dollar store stuff for gifts/parties (glow sticks, Mardi Gras beads, etc.)

Note: The Peace Corps provides many different teaching resources. If you don’t bring any, 

you will be OK, but many people find their own resources helpful.

Final Notes

• PCVs will be provided with a medical kit, mosquito net, and sun block upon arrival.

• Only bring a large supply of toiletries if you are really particular about something, 

otherwise, you can find things you need in-country. Do bring enough for your first 

three months, though.

• Photos are sensitive to the elements, so choose the ones you bring carefully; make 

copies or don’t bring any you don’t want to have ruined or lost.

• You will be LIVING here for two years—NOT camping. Everything you need, you 

will learn where to find it and be able to find it. 

• You will be coming to the best secondhand store in the world for clothing. For those 

items you cannot find, there is always a tailor who can make absolutely anything 

rather inexpensively. This includes shoes, such as flip-flops, trainers, and dress 

shoes, and everything else outside of electronics, including knives, beddings, 

toiletries, kitchen items, tools and more. For electronics, the three-prong British 

style is used and cheap adapters are readily available. Electricity is limited to larger 

towns or via generators so don’t expect much. Power is 240 volts. 

• A final bit of advice is to be conservative when packing since most things are 

available in-country and what is not can be sent.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

52

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as you prepare to live outside 

the United States for two years. Not all items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does 

not include everything you should make arrangements for.

Family

• Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps’ Counseling and Outreach Unit at 

any time if there is a critical illness or death of a family member (24-hour telephone 

number: 1-855-855-1961, then press 2; or directly at 202-692-1470).

• Give the Peace Corps’ On the Home Front handbook to family and friends.

Passport/Travel

• Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport 

and visas.

• Verify that your luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel.

• Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. (Your Peace 

Corps passport will expire three months after you finish your service, so if you plan 

to travel longer, you will need a regular passport.)

Medical/Health

• Complete any needed dental and medical work.

• If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

• Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications (including birth control 

pills) you are currently taking.

Insurance

• Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.

• Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while you are away. (Even 

though the Peace Corps is responsible for your health care during Peace Corps 

service overseas, it is advisable for people who have pre-existing conditions to 

arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health coverage. If there is a 

lapse in coverage, it is often difficult and expensive to be reinstated.)

• Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.

Personal Papers

• Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

53

Voting

• Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many state universities 

consider voting and payment of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)

• Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.

• Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas. 

Personal Effects

• Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time you leave your home 

for service overseas until the time you complete your service and return to the 

United States.

Financial Management

• Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S. 

• Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan service.

• Execute a Power of Attorney for the management of your property and business.

• Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay alimony, child 

support, and other debts through the Office of Volunteer Financial Operations at 

855.855.1961, extension 1770.

• Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks, and bonds—in a safe deposit 

box or with an attorney or other caretaker.
Peace Corps │ Sierra Leone Welcome Book

54

CONTACTING PEACE CORPS HEADQUARTERS

This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate office at Peace Corps 

headquarters to answer various questions. You can use the toll-free number and extension 

or dial directly using the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the toll-free number and 

extensions with your family so they can contact you in the event of an emergency.

Peace Corps Headquarters Toll-free Number: 855.855.1961, Press 1 or ext. # (see below) 

Peace Corps’ Mailing Address: Peace Corps Headquarters

1111 20th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20526

Questions About: Staff: Toll-Free 

Ext: Direct/Local #:

Responding to an Invitation Office of Placement x1840 202.692.1840

Country Information

Nicole Williams

Desk Officer / (Sierra Leone, Guinea 

& Liberia) 

SierraLeone@peacecorps.gov 

X2318 202.692.2318 

Plane Tickets, Passports, 

Visas, or other travel 

matters:

CWT SATO Travel x1170 202.692.1170

Legal Clearance Office of Placement x1840 202.692.1840

Medical Clearance & Forms 

Processing (includes dental) Screening Nurse x1500 202.692.1500

Medical Reimbursements 

(handled by a 

subcontractor)

Seven Corners N/A 202.692.1538

800.335.0611

Loan Deferments, Taxes,

Financial Operations

Office Of Volunteer and PSC 

Financial Services x1770 202.692.1770

Readjustment Allowance 

Withdrawals, Power of 

Attorney, Staging (PreDeparture Orientation), and 

Reporting Instructions

Office of Staging

Note: You will receive comprehensive 

information (hotel and flight 

arrangements) three to five weeks 

prior to departure. This information 

is not available sooner.

x1865 202.692.1865

Family Emergencies (to get 

information to a Volunteer 

overseas) 24 hours

Office of Special Services x1470 202.692.1470