Sierra Leone Chesterton Center (SLCC)

The SLCC is founded and directed by John Kanu. John is a consultant with more than 15 years experience in international development work. Living and working in post-war Sierra Leone, John has worked with a range of development agencies including the Catholic Relief Services, the International Rescue Committee, Management Systems International, and the United States Agency for International Development. John has also provided a range of consultancies both in Sierra Leone and a number of countries in Africa. He is from time to time consulted by the Government of Sierra Leone to provide advice on mineral policy and on how best to redistribute mining wealth to affected communities. John’s core competencies include deep insights of extractive sector policy in Africa, project monitoring and evaluation, community development facilitation and skills in civil society capacity strengthening. John holds a masters degree in Applied Social Studies from the University of Oxford and is currently providing consultancy services for the World Bank on sustainable livelihoods in communities affected by diamond mining in eastern Sierra Leone. The idea of the SLCC was conceived when John was studying at Plater College in Oxford prior to his university degree.

MISSION and ACTIVITIES of the SLCC

In partnership with rural communities, the SLCC is committed to promoting community-led development initiatives in Sierra Leone. Through the implementation of small-scale agricultural initiatives (SSAIs), the Centre facilitates processes that guarantee sustainable livelihoods for families in rural community settings. We mobilize improved and appropriate technologies and provide professional support to communities and individuals irrespective of creed, tribe, gender or race. The SLCC is also currently studying Sierra Leone’s mining laws and collaborating with like-mind local organizations to make the government re-distribute mining-related wealth to affected communities. John Kanu was invited to make a presentation in Freetown to government and donors on 22 November 2012 on how to redistribute wealth to local communities. Full report on request.