What We're About

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Sierra Leone is a small, deeply impoverished country on the southwest coast of Africa. According to most recent data, almost 60% of the country lives below the national poverty line, while 43% of Sierra Leone’s nearly nine million residents live in extreme poverty, which is defined as less than $1.90 a day. The country is one of the poorest in the world, ranking 184th out of 193 countries according to the Human Development Index, which measures countries based on their life expectancy, education level and standard of living.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have negatively impacted Sierra Leone’s poverty reduction efforts. Almost 60% of families have reported a decline in their income. At the same time, widespread inflation has reduced people’s purchasing power and increased poverty. These crises have also worsened food security in the already incredibly food insecure country. Surging prices of staple foods have led to an increase in malnutrition and food insecurity among the population. 

Food Insecurity is a widespread problem in Sierra Leone. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 82% of the population is food insecure and that 26% of children are stunted, experiencing impaired growth due to malnutrition. Despite agriculture being an essential part of the country’s economy, it is underdeveloped forcing it to be dependent on food imports. The country is prone to food crises and malnutrition, a problem likely to increase due to the effects of changing weather patterns.

  Trinidad and Tobago is a small twin-island Caribbean nation with a population of about 1.4 million people. While it is considered a middle-income country with relatively strong human development indicators, economic pressures and inequality still affect many households. Rising living costs and limited disposable income can place strain on families, particularly those with children, making it harder to meet developmental, educational, and recreational needs.

Children are especially impacted by these challenges, as financial stress can limit access to healthy nutrition, structured activities, and safe spaces for growth. Sports and physical activity play a critical role in children’s overall development, supporting physical health, mental well-being, discipline, teamwork, and social inclusion. For many young people, participation in sports also provides a positive outlet, builds confidence, and helps steer them away from negative influences.

Despite its importance, access to organized sports and recreational programs is often uneven, particularly for children from lower-income communities. Economic constraints, limited facilities, and reduced public investment can restrict opportunities for youth engagement. Strengthening support for children’s sports and development programs is essential, as investing in youth through physical activity and recreation not only improves individual outcomes but also contributes to healthier, more resilient communities across Trinidad and Tobago