MAFEREH CONTEH: EXPLORING THE HEARTBEAT OF HUMANITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERING IN THE SLUMS

‘‘In the heart of a bustling city, amid towering structures and shopping streets, lies a world often forgotten—a world of narrow alleys, makeshift shelters, and incredibly resilient souls. This is the slum where I found myself, not as a tourist passing through, but as a relief response volunteer seeking to make a difference. The first time I stepped foot into this maze of humanity, I was struck by the stark contrast between its reality and the world I knew. The air was thick with the scent of hardship and struggle, yet amidst the chaos, there was a sense of community and strength that bound its residents together.

”As I navigated the narrow and sometimes dark alleyways, I met individuals whose stories etched themselves into my heart. One such person was Adama Kamara, a single mother of four, tirelessly working as a street vendor to provide for her children. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity left me in awe. Then there was Fatmata, a young girl with a bright smile and dreams as vast as the sky. Despite the limited opportunities that surrounded her, Fatmata had a spirit that refused to be broken. Through our conversations, I learned about the power of hope and the importance of nurturing dreams in the most unlikely of places”.

”My days in the slum were a whirlwind of emotions—joy, sadness, frustration, and gratitude. I witnessed the harsh realities of poverty and inequality, yet I also experienced moments of immense joy and connection with the residents. Whether distributing food and supplies, organizing educational chats with the children, or simply listening to their stories, every interaction left an indelible mark on my soul. These moments taught me that true change begins with empathy and action. It is not enough to observe the struggles of others from a distance; we must actively engage, listen, and stand in solidarity with those in need”.

”As I bid farewell to the slum, I carried with me a newfound sense of purpose and a commitment to continue advocating for social justice and equality. The stories of Adama, Fatmata, and countless others will forever be a part of me, a reminder of the resilience and strength that exists even in the most challenging circumstances. Reflecting on my time there, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned, the connections made, and the lives touched. In a world marked by inequality and injustice, it is through acts of compassion and solidarity that we can truly make a difference, one person at a time”.

The Power of Volunteering
”Volunteering in the slum has shown me the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives. It has reinforced my belief that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create ripples of change. As I continue my journey, I am committed to spreading hope and fostering a spirit of compassion in every endeavor. Together, we can build a world where every person, regardless of their circumstances, can dream and thrive”.

About Mafereh Conteh
Mafereh Conteh is a Slum Disaster Response Volunteer for Partnering to Serve Humanity. As a dedicated second-year Nursing student at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS). She actively participates in disaster response efforts as a volunteer with CARITAS Freetown. Her passion for serving humanity is evident through her commitment to collaborating with organizations to make a positive impact in my community.

More on Partnering to Serve Humanity
Partnering to Serve Humanity is a consortium of like-minded nonprofit organizations united to provide relief and assistance to disaster victims and support individuals affected by poverty, hunger, and other challenges. Since 2014, this partnership has worked diligently to alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate and those impacted by disasters. The consortium consists of four organizations: Tzu Chi Foundation, which primarily provides necessary resources; Caritas Freetown, assisting with local coordination; Healey International Relief Foundation; and LANYI, both of which play crucial roles in supporting, distributing, and evaluating the consortium’s actions.