Established in 2014 and registered in 2016, CARDO is a Sierra Leonean NGO advancing education, livelihoods, protection and basic services.
Our story
We started by listening.
Community Advocacy for Relief and Development Organization was established in 2014 to respond to human-rights, education and child-support priorities identified by communities in Sierra Leone. CARDO was formally registered as a local NGO in 2016.
Our work has grown to include education, agriculture, advocacy, girls’ empowerment, child care, sensitisation, emergency relief, solar access and clean water. We work through local staff, volunteers, chiefs, teachers, farmers, parents, young people and partner organisations.
CARDO’s model is simple: listen to the community, identify practical priorities, mobilise local participation, bring in resources and technical support, and remain accountable to the people who live with the results.
Mission
Empower and educate young individuals to become self-sufficient leaders in their communities.
Vision
Improve indigenous people’s quality of life through education and community development.
Aim
Advocate for quality education and skills training for children and young people.
Values
Dignity, community ownership, inclusion, accountability, partnership and practical action.
Where we work
Deep relationships across rural Bombali.
01Kasimberia
02Makorombo
03Mabai
04Kamoriya
05Kagbanka
06Mabanta
07Mankoreh
08Katherie
09Mangoreh
10Kagbanka Bana
Our agriculture and education work focuses on communities in Safroko Limba and Mapaki Masabong chiefdoms, with wider outreach in Makeni, Freetown and other parts of Sierra Leone.
Our team
People committed to the mission.
Sorie Sankoh
Founder & Director
Keith Norris
Board Chairman
Dr Ankur Purohit
Board Member
Fatmata Bintu Bangura
Secretary
Saidu A. Sesay
Finance
Jacob A.R. Sesay
Project Officer
PK
Peter Kurterson
Head of Volunteers
Anya Bonanno
Volunteer
Kate Othabal
Head of Fundraising
Brima Bangura
Field Officer
John A. Tarawalie
Field Officer
Benjamine Kandeh
Field Officer
Testimonials
Experience told by the people closest to it.
“Working with local children, bringing school supplies and making real connections was deeply meaningful. CARDO’s commitment to underserved communities gave me an experience I will carry forever.”
AJAnya Jones BonannoInternational volunteer
“Ten local schools competed, with winners receiving tuition and supplies for three years. The event encouraged participation, confidence and future academic success.”
GWGeorge WilliamsVolunteer, Georgia University
“I was about to drop out because my family could not afford my school fees. CARDO selected me as a beneficiary and helped me continue my education.”
KMKumba MansarayScholarship beneficiary
“The debate and quiz competition gave me a chance to improve my public speaking skills.”
AGAngela P. GborieMCA Primary School, Makeni
“CARDO identified our community and constructed a school. Today it serves more than 100 children, and pupils are progressing to secondary school.”
PBPa Alimamy BanguraSokoya Town Chief
“CARDO’s school partnership, teacher training and debate programme have helped vulnerable pupils and strengthened children’s ability to express themselves.”
MBMiss BassieUMC Primary School Head Teacher
Build with us
Help a community turn its plan into progress.
Partner with CARDO through funding, technical support, volunteering or in-kind resources.
