Brief History of SLHO

Our Story

The Sierra Leone Humanitarian Organization (SLHO) was established on 17 May 1999 in the Netherlands by Mohamed Bangura (“Obangs”) in response to the humanitarian crisis affecting Sierra Leone during the civil war.

After watching a documentary highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on Sierra Leone and its people, Mohamed Bangura was inspired to bring together members of the Sierra Leonean community in the Netherlands to explore ways of providing meaningful support to their homeland.

To realize this vision, he convened a group of dedicated individuals, including F.B. Kamara, J.D. Walters, Sulaiman Kamara, Amadu Kabbah, Hassan Bangura, Laurence Kamara, Amadu Wurie, and Ibrahim Bambila, who shared a common commitment to humanitarian service and community development.

Together, they founded SLHO with the aim of mobilizing support for vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone through humanitarian assistance, healthcare initiatives, educational projects, and community development programmes.

Over the years, SLHO has grown steadily, supported by the dedication of its members, volunteers, donors, and partners. The organization has successfully implemented numerous projects in healthcare, education, sanitation, and community welfare, positively impacting thousands of lives.

Today, SLHO continues to build upon the vision of its founders by promoting humanitarian action, cultural unity, education, and sustainable community development both in Sierra Leone and within the diaspora community in the Netherlands.

Our Motto

Together we celebrate. Together we connect. Together we build.

Key Achievements

2001

• Donated ambulances and medical equipment to government healthcare facilities in Freetown.

2002

• Shipped two ambulances and a 20-foot container filled with medical supplies and healthcare equipment.

2003

• Delivered two additional ambulances and a 40-foot container of medical equipment to support healthcare services.

2005

• Supported the publication of What Can I Do for My Country? by SLHO member Osman Kamara, promoting civic responsibility and national development.

2006

• Donated a 20-foot container of new computers and educational materials to St. Joseph’s Primary School for the Deaf in Makeni.

2008

• Constructed 16 modern sanitation facilities and installed safe drinking water systems at St. Joseph’s Primary School in Makeni, significantly improving the learning environment for students.

2019

Most Outstanding Organisation in The Netherlands

On 26 October 2019, the Sierra Leone Humanitarian Organization (SLHO) Rotterdam was honoured by AWOL Continental Europe with the award for “The Most Outstanding Organisation in The Netherlands 2019.”

This prestigious recognition acknowledged SLHO’s dedication to humanitarian service, community development, cultural engagement, and its continued support for vulnerable communities. The award reflects the hard work and commitment of SLHO’s members, volunteers, partners, and supporters over the years.

Award: Most Outstanding Organisation in The Netherlands 2019
Presented by: AWOL Continental Europe
Date: 26 October 2019

This achievement remains an important milestone in the history of SLHO and a testament to the organization’s positive impact both locally and internationally.🏆

2020

COVID-19 Relief Support

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SLHO provided humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone. On 17 May 2020, SLHO members in Sierra Leone distributed food packages to approximately 300 amputees and persons affected by polio across several communities in and around Freetown. This initiative was made possible through the support and generosity of SLHO members, volunteers, and donors.

Commitment to Maternal Health

Recognizing the critical challenges facing maternal healthcare in Sierra Leone, SLHO launched an initiative to raise funds for the construction of a Maternal Clinic and Midwife Training Centre.

This project was inspired by personal experiences within the SLHO family and the devastating reality of maternal mortality in Sierra Leone. The organization believes that every mother deserves access to quality healthcare and safe childbirth services.

Through fundraising events, community engagement, and partnerships, SLHO continues to advocate for improved maternal health, healthcare accessibility, and sustainable community development.

Our Milestones

1999 – Foundation of SLHO

SLHO was established in the Netherlands by Mohamed Bangura in response to the humanitarian crisis in Sierra Leone, with a commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through humanitarian action and development initiatives.

2001 – First Medical Aid Mission

Successfully donated ambulances and medical equipment to healthcare facilities in Freetown, improving access to essential medical services.

2002-2003 – Expansion of Humanitarian Support

Delivered multiple ambulances and containers of medical equipment to Sierra Leone, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services.

2005 – Promotion of Education and Civic Responsibility

Supported the publication of What Can I Do for My Country? by Osman Kamara, encouraging community engagement and national development.

2006 – Advancing Educational Opportunities

Donated computers and educational resources to St. Joseph’s Primary School for the Deaf in Makeni, helping to improve learning opportunities for students with disabilities.

2008 – Improving Sanitation and Access to Clean Water

Constructed modern sanitation facilities and safe drinking water systems at St. Joseph’s Primary School, benefiting students and staff.

2019 – Outstanding Organisation Award

On 26 October 2019, the Sierra Leone Humanitarian Organization (SLHO) Rotterdam was honoured by AWOL Continental Europe with the award for “The Most Outstanding Organisation in The Netherlands 2019.”

This recognition celebrated SLHO’s continued commitment to humanitarian service, community development, cultural engagement, and support for vulnerable communities both in Sierra Leone and within the diaspora.

The award serves as a testament to the dedication of SLHO’s members, volunteers, partners, and supporters who continue to contribute to the organization’s success and positive impact.🏆

2020 – COVID-19 Humanitarian Food Distribution

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sierra Leone Humanitarian Organization (SLHO) continued its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone.

On 17 May 2020, SLHO members in Sierra Leone, Mr. Panjeh and Mr. Kabba Sesay, organized the distribution of food packages to approximately 300 amputees and persons affected by polio in and around Freetown.

The distributions took place across several communities, including:

• Grafton
• ECOWAS Street
• Wilberforce
• Rawdon Street
• Aberdeen
• Cotton Tree

This humanitarian initiative was undertaken to provide relief and support to some of the most vulnerable members of society during the challenging circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The success of this project was made possible through the generosity, dedication, and hard work of SLHO members, volunteers, and supporters who contributed both financially and physically to the distribution effort.

SLHO extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who supported this initiative and helped bring hope and assistance to those in need during a difficult time.

“Serving communities through compassion, solidarity, and humanitarian action.”

Maternal Health Initiative

Launched fundraising efforts to support the construction of a Maternal Clinic and Midwife Training Centre aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving healthcare outcomes for women and children in Sierra Leone.

Today

Continuing to promote humanitarian support, cultural exchange, community development, and social inclusion in Rotterdam, Sierra Leone, and beyond.

Over 25 years of humanitarian service, community empowerment, and positive impact.

Looking Forward

Today, SLHO remains committed to its founding principles of humanitarian service, education, healthcare support, community empowerment, and cultural unity. Building upon more than two decades of service, the organization continues to work with communities, partners, and volunteers to create lasting positive change both in Sierra Leone and within the wider diaspora community in Rotterdam and beyond.

“Together, we can build healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.”