War orphan recognized by New York State Assembly for education advocacy

The New York State Assembly has presented Salifu Kamara a student at American University from Sierra Leone with an award for “Outstanding Contribution to Education”. Sponsored by Assembly member Edward Ra from Albany, Kamara was recognized for education advocacy for children from his village in Sierra Leone.

A citation presented to Kamara say: “The work you do each day is amazing and inspiring. As a thinker and doer you are a role model and a believer in change.”

Kamara is founder of the Global Network for Children in Crises, an international non-profit organization based in the US, that works to provide school supplies, and scholarships to the disadvantaged in his hometown of Bafodia village in Sierra Leone.

“His contribution and commitment to the cause of young people cannot be underestimated,” said Mr. David Davies, Communications Director of MESSEH International which is the institution responsible for promoting Salifu’s humanitarian activities in the US.

Kamara who describes himself as a “voice for the voiceless” has made it his life mission to work for those affected by the civil war in Sierra Leone. Disabled by polio, rebels executed his parents and siblings during the war. Kamara emigrated to the US six years ago and he has since  been involved in activities to support those he left behind in his village of Bafodia.

Kamara is currently a student at American University in D.C.