Sierra Leone: Reality by the Cup
In West Africa, families who once could afford to buy a bag of rice can now only buy it by the cup – and at a premium. In the more privileged part of the world, saying we “can’t afford” things because of inflation, can start to feel distorted.
Returning to Sierra Leone After Five Years
Vidad and I first travelled to Sierra Leone in 2019 with the charity One Girl. We were there to document how girls were missing months of school simply because of the silence and lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene knowledge. Five years later, returning and seeing some of the same students again was beautiful and heartwarming. They were taller, more confident and hopeful about their futures. It was exciting to see One Girl’s programmes in full effect; providing equal opportunity and the right to education. But much of the environment around them had grown harsher.
The Cost of Living Crisis in West Africa
The cost of living in Sierra Leone has spiralled. It has everywhere, however its impact is significantly felt when the average wage is $40 USD per month. One of the students we filmed had a hot chocolate for breakfast before walking an hour to get to school. The cost of school supplies has up to tripled between 2021 and 2023 – a calculator going from $35 to $100. Yet the women we met welcomed us into their homes and communities; whilst caring for their children, cooking with very little, and praying to give thanks for the life they had lived that day.
Creating Documentary Films for Social Impact
Since returning, we’ve been working with One Girl to share some of these stories, donating our documentary to help amplify their impact, and creating four short films over the past year.
Georgetta’s Story: Education Despite the Odds
Watch Georgetta’s story:
**“We received a major $60K donation from Georgetta’s EOFY story campaign. But even without that, it still outperformed any previous One Girl campaign (excluding event and emergency income) — despite widespread cost-of-living challenges across the sector.”**
Sharni Minett, Digital Fundraising Lead
The Christmas Beach Trip: Joy in Simple Moments
One of the more touching videos was our Christmas campaign, which followed girls who had never been to the beach or eaten a hamburger before. Moments that seem ordinary to us became scenes of pure joy and wonder. It was a stark reminder of how layered privilege really is.
Privilege, Perspective, and Purpose
It’s easy in the West to spiral into existential dread; worrying about purpose and what we’re doing on this planet. I’m not saying we can’t feel stressed or overwhelmed. But this trip reminded me, even having the space to stop, do nothing, feel safe, and reflect is in itself a privilege.
**About the Author:**
Bryce McCoy is co-director at Round 3 Films, a Melbourne-based video production company specialising in documentary storytelling for social impact. Round 3 has won multiple international awards for their work with nonprofits and socially-conscious brands. [View our documentary work] | [Get in touch]