Transforming Lives:

Community-Led Partnerships in Sierra Leone

A Focus on

Mrs. Frances Browne

Dr. Nancy Peddle first met Mrs. Frances Browne 27 years ago when she embarked on her journey to Sierra Leone to work on the Kids Project, also known as Kids in Distress. At that time, Frances Browne was running an early childhood center that Dr. Peddle found truly remarkable. However, during the coup in Sierra Leone, Frances was forced to flee with her five-year-old daughter, Christie, to the safety of Banjul, The Gambia. Determined to continue their work together, Dr. Peddle managed to locate Frances and bring her back to Sierra Leone. This marked the beginning of their enduring partnership.

Kids In Distress Program 1997 Francess Browne trainer

Frances had an extraordinary understanding of the needs of the people in Sierra Leone. She articulated these needs to Dr. Peddle, and so the LemonAid Fund provided support for various initiatives. Their collaboration flourished over the years, driven by their shared commitment to improving the lives of children.

In 2004, Dr. Peddle returned to Sierra Leone, and together, she and Frances resumed their teaching efforts. Frances harbored a dream of establishing another school. She purchased the land, and with the support of the LemonAid Fund, they gradually built what is now known as Dele Peddle International High School, in honor of Dr. Peddle, serving students from early childhood through high school.

Frances is much more than an educator; she is the cornerstone of the LemonAid Fund's network in Sierra Leone. As the lead trainer for the forgiveness, gratitude, and appreciation program, she plays a vital role in fostering these values within the community. Her dedication and impact were recently recognized when she was named one of the 50 most influential women in Sierra Leone.

A particularly heartwarming and visionary moment of their story involves something as simple as playground slides. Frances once told Dr. Peddle, "Nancy, what we need are five slides to help the children regain a sense of normalcy and joy." Those slides turned out to be transformative. They attracted parents to enroll their children in the early childhood centers, which in turn enabled these centers to charge modest fees, pay their teachers, and develop robust educational programs. The positive outcomes were evident as these children thrived academically and socially.

The journey with Frances has been one of resilience, innovation, and profound impact. Her vision and leadership continue to inspire Dr. Peddle and countless others, driving them to support and expand their efforts in Sierra Leone.

The LemonAid Fund thrives by finding the right partners on the ground, like Frances, who possess deep knowledge and expertise in their communities. Listening to their needs and understanding their unique challenges allows the LemonAid Fund to provide targeted support that fosters sustainable development. This approach ensures that the assistance these communities receive is relevant, effective, and profoundly impactful, transforming communities from within for the long-term.