Support Tasso | SierrAfricaNetwork

Ways to Support Tasso Island

Around the world, many communities face difficult realities—limited access to electricity, clean water, sanitation, and reliable internet service. The 5,500 residents of Tasso Island share some of these challenges. With your support, SierraAfrica Diaspora Connect can help improve access to these services for the people of Tasso Island. Although SierrAfrica Diaspora Connect is not a 501(c)(3) organization, we have partnered with a fiscal sponsor, Global Peace Media, to enable tax-deductible donations.

Your contribution will make a world of difference to this small, historic island! Thank you!

Clean Water: Updated Wells and Desalination Units

Ten wells with pumps: $13,000 USD/Well

Two Desalination units: $15,000/Unit

Water Retention Tanks with an Agitator

Five Water Retention Tanks are needed to capture (on average) 80-120 inches of rainwater annually. The water will be used for drinking water, showers, and toilets. $6,000 USD/Tank.

Solar Power (Phase 2)

The solar power project was initiated in 2021, serving schools, places of worship, and a small clinic. The installation of 54 solar streetlights, 3 small solar systems, and 7 large solar systems will enhance productivity and safety on the island. A total of $75,000 will be allocated to complete the solar power project.

Sanitation Facilities

The need for restroom facilities cannot be understated, as some girls skip school during their menstrual cycle because of inadequate sanitation facilities. Fecal contamination of the environment and poor hygiene practices are leading causes of child mortality, morbidity, undernutrition, and stunting. Ten 4-stall units with wash basins: $6,000/Unit

Internet Access is a Game Changer

Sierra Leone mandates six years of primary and three years of junior secondary education. However, students must move to Freetown for secondary school, which can expose them to abuse, resulting in disruption of their education. Internet access can bring high-quality virtual learning to the island, delaying the need for children to leave home at an early age. It will also provide educational resources, enhance teacher instruction, and expand access for people with disabilities.

At the beginning of 2023, Sierra Leone had an internet penetration rate of only 21.2%, leaving approximately 6.85 million people without internet access. Starlink is an excellent opportunity for a remote island location, providing enhanced speeds at lower prices: $600 per unit

The subscription fee costs:

•⁠ ⁠$1,146.72 annually

•⁠ ⁠$3,440.16 over three years

•⁠ ⁠$5,733.60 over five years

Global Eco-Village Network (GEN) Africa

The future of Tasso Island includes healthier residents, opportunities for enhanced educational resources, and more visitors. With these positive changes, there will be a shift in how residents view the future, and new businesses will emerge.

GEN Africa will be engaged to facilitate a three-year economic empowerment project to establish Communities of Excellence (COE). The fee is $150,000 USD. This engagement is part of our sustainability and growth strategy.

Capacity-building on general business concepts.
Establishing five COE demonstration projects on Tasso Island (e.g., tourism).
Promoting profit-making activities to create micro- and e-commerce businesses.

Water filters will improve living conditions

Community Water Filters

Meets the requirements of the World Health Organization and the US EPA, to protect against water-borne viruses, bacteria, parasites, and microplastics.
The total capacity of 50L provides 26,000 gallons before filter replacement. The product can serve 75-100 school children or clinic attendees per day or up to 25 people per day in a survival situation for a span of 3-5 years.
Easy to assemble on-site and requires no batteries, spare parts, or chemicals.
The pictured community filter, plus shipping, is USD $400. Fifty units will provide relief to the entire island. The estimated cost is $20,000.

Please identify the project you want to support in the form below. Afterwards, you’ll be directed to a PayPal page sponsored by our fiscal sponsor, Global Peace Media. Your gift will be combined with others to advance the outlined goals. Thank you!