Local foundation helps build schools in Sierra Leone

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)- A foundation based in Rexburg is doing its best to help people in Sierra Leone. The Ray Foundation was started by Raymond Steven from Sierra Leone.

Ramond described how he grew up in the West African country, and faced many challenges. "It was very challenging, especially getting an education, because I have to walk ten miles to school Monday to Friday," Raymond said.

After high school, Raymond chose to go on an LDS mission in Nigeria. After his mission, he had the opportunity to study at BYU-Idaho. It was there he decided to find ways to give back to his community.

"If there's any way I could give back to my community and was to be able to put something together that will look for education opportunities for kids back home, by building school clinics and providing clean water and, books or places for food, for the kids back home in Africa," Raymond said.

One of the foundation's current projects is building a primary school, which Raymond says is nearly built.

"The building is at the point where we need to roof it and then to finish, get doors and, paint the whole thing and get furniture for the kids," Raymond said.

He says whether it is a clinic, school, or any other future project, everything the foundation does is community-based.

"When you think about what we do, it's more community-focused. We have the community come in. They also contributed a lot in terms of labor. Everybody came out, the young people in the village, everybody came out and we were able to do a lot more," Ramond said.

Those interested in supporting Raymond and helping communities across West Africa can do so by visiting the foundation's website here.