CanSerra: Canadian Society for Education in Sierra Leone
in partnership with
CanSerra Development Organization
We are a grassroots group of individuals who bring positive change to the lives of marginalized and vulnerable children and women in rural communities in Sierra Leone through the development of educational facilities, skills training and health support.
About Us
A video about our past and future!
_svg.png)
Click on the box to read an article in the Globe and Mail's First Person about our founder, Bassie Kargbo, and his dream!
I have had the pleasure to work with Bassie Kargbo and the Canserra group for the last few years. We have contributed to the completion of the primary school. Our donations helped with painting the exterior, new windows, classroom benches, and outdoor latrines. As well as the primary school, we have set up two post-secondary scholarships. In addition to these worthwhile causes, we have provided several school feedings. I look forward to working with Bassie and the Canserra group in the future.
~ Blaine Hill, teacher
Since arriving in Thunder Bay, Canada, as a sponsored newcomer from Sierra Leone in 2005, Bassie Kargbo has raised a family here and at the same time dedicated years to rebuilding the education system in Sierra Leone by starting schools for needy children. My husband and I, other family members and friends, Port Arthur Rotary and First Presbyterian Church, as well as many others, have helped Bassie promote education in Sierra Leone by building schools for youth from grade one to high school graduation. He is accomplishing great things and we, as teachers, are happy to provide financial donations to help him in these efforts. We welcome you to join us! ~Wendy and Brian Vistorino
I was so impressed by the work all are doing to improve the schools in Sierra Leone.
On my recent visit, I was able to witness firsthand the excellent efforts that are being made by all stakeholders.
As a previous School Board Member in the Inland Empire of California, I understand how important it is to focus on children’s education.
It is my goal to continue to support the efforts of Canserra and many other schools in Sierra Leone.
At the moment, I have also paid for 5 different school feeding programs for this year in Canserra and will be visiting the school again some months away from now when my schedule permits.
Gods blessings for all you guys do !!!
~ Wraymond Sawyerr
The wonderful people in our organization who make things happen!
CanSerra: Canadian Society for Education in Sierra Leone
Board of Directors
.jpeg)
Brian Vistorino, Director/Board Member
Brian is a retired school teacher and civil engineer who knows the value of education and its effects on combating poverty. He has been with CanSerra since the beginning and has been very instrumental in making big things happen!
Donna White, Assistant Director/Board Member
Donna White is a retired school teacher and brings years of experience in fundraising to the board. She has witnessed the success of programs that combat poverty during her volunteer work in countries including Uganda, Malawi, Bangladesh, Armenia, and Dominican Republic.
.jpeg)
Wendy Vistorino, Secretary Treasurer/Board Member
Wendy is a retired school teacher and has a big heart for helping all children achieve their goals. She has a no nonsense approach and makes sure all our t's are crossed and i's are dotted - and we're not just talking about meeting minutes!
Blaine Hill, Board Member
Blaine is a teacher and has seen how a good education can make a positive change in children's lives. He works hard to make sure it happens for the children in Sierra Leone.
Adiatu Kuyatah, Board Member
Adiata is a fellow Sierra Leoneon who now lives in Canada. While visiting Sierra Leone she witnessed the great work of CanSerra and immediately jumped on board to be part of the action. She brings a whack of experience to the board with her volunteer experience with the NDP, Black History Month, Sierra Leone Association of Alberta (SLAA), MacEwan University, and Edmonton’s Africanival.
John Grabish, Board Member
John is an expert when it comes to making positive changes! Founder of Caring Hands, an organization that uses the proceeds from the sales of hand-crafted items from Uganda to relieve poverty, he has been instrumental in providing food, livestock, medical attention, and vocational training for hundreds of people. CanSerra truly appreciates the expertise John adds to the group!
Tochi Nwaokocha, Board Member
Tochi is president of the Black Law Students' Association and a practicing lawyer in Kitchener, Ontario. He brings a fabulous energy to the group and a wonderful heart and clever mind that makes things happen!
Our Valuable and Most Needed Volunteers here in Canada
.jpg)
Mabinty, Supporter and Volunteer
​
Mabinty is a woman of many talents! She is amazing at stretching a dollar and making it go further than anyone can imagine! She is also an encourager, supporter, and downright wonderful lady! We wouldn't be where we are without her!
CanSerra Development Organization in Africa
Board of Directors
The people from Sierra Leone who make it all happen!
Bassie Kargbo, Founder and Director
Bassie has put his heart and soul into transforming the lives of his fellow Sierra Leoneans. After the Civil War, there were very few schools left standing in Mabureh and Kissi Town. Bassie's selfless dedication has changed this and brought a brighter future to many! Thank you, Bassie!
Mrs. Umu Kamara, Board Chairperson
Mrs. Umu Kamara professional life spins around working as an administrator. She has a BSc in Business Administration and works at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary School Education (MBSSE) as an administrator. Aside from her work life, she is a philanthropist who has partnered with numerous organizations. She has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of countless individuals within the ministry. Her goal is ensure that people receive the best satisfaction in her area of operation. Her dedication to administration and social issues has empowered many.
Umu's vision is to see a Sierra Leone where more opportunities are available for women and children. Her desire is to bring more opportunities and development within the organization.
Dr. Abdul Amid Aziz Jalloh Board Chairman
Dr. Jalloh is a senior research fellow and lead consultant with the Azmid Research and Management Development Consultancy. He has a PhD in Business Administration with specialty in Human Resources Management from the Chongqing University in China. In his professional life, Dr. Jalloh has worked with the Nelsal Educational Development Agency (NEDA-SL) as director. He has also worked at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) as Senior Lecturer at the Business Department, and as human resources manager at UNIMAK, Democracy and Development Associates, and Action for Children and Youth Development.
Dr. Jalloh is a dedicated advocate on transparency and accountability. He loves giving back to the community. Dr. Jalloh’s desire is to bring new initiatives that will make great positive changes with the organization.
WIll Kargbo, Member
​
Will Kargbo has volunteered as the National Director of CanSerra Development Organization since 2019 and oversees all programs for CDO. He also serves as the national spokesperson.
Will is a native of Sierra Leone and lives in Freetown with his wife and two children. He received his education in Sierra Leone from TC, HTC and has a BA in Developmental Studies.
Now a retired teacher, Will uses his experience as a community developer and his knowledge gained from working with non-profit organizations in Sierra Leone to help those in need.
Aminata Nyamah Marah, Member
​
Aminata's professional life revolves around the joy of food. Driven by a deep faith and a generous spirit, she is a philanthropist who has partnered with numerous renowned organizations and NGOs. Through these collaborations, she has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of countless young people. Her dedication to social causes has empowered many to reach their full potential.
Aminata's unwavering work ethic is an inspiration to all who know her. She tackles every challenge with a relentless determination, fueled by a desire to not only excel but to uplift those around her. Her generosity extends far beyond financial contributions; she donates her time, expertise, and boundless enthusiasm to the causes she holds. Her vision is to see a Sierra Leone where more opportunities will be available for women and children.
Dominic Tholley, Member
Dominic is a worker at the Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board as an outreach officer. His responsibilities include educating and advising people on the basic laws of Sierra Leone.
Dominic choose the field of humanitarian work because there are a lot of people suffering as a result of injustice. Some of the things he addresses are human rights abuse and domestic violence.
Domenic has many years of humanitarian experience. With his experience as advocate, he facilitates partnerships with families, staff, and other agencies, and loves working with organizations that care for those in need.
Jorian Mamie Iye Dumbuya, Member
Jorian is the Treasurer Reporting Officer of CanSerra Development Organization Board of Directors. She takes care of finances and disseminates operational reports to the organization. She also provides support in various activities of the organization and ensures there is better communication concerning the required needs of the organization. Based in Freetown she works as news reporter at the Sierra Leone’s national TV station (SLBC) and has many years of non-profit experience. Madam Dumbuya has a Diploma in Business Administration and is an advocate for the poor and needy.
Rugiatu Alusine Kamara, Member
​
Rugiatu believes that education is power. Despite coming from a deprived background, she was determined to succeed in life. She graduated from the Milton Margai Technical University with a BSc in Agricultural Science and Community Development Studies. Rugiatu loves giving back to the community. She illustrated this by not only been a volunteer community teacher but also in few organizations. As a volunteer teacher Rugiatu had the opportunity to learn how to be a leader in creating change and to improve learning outcomes in rural communities. Rugiatu is a stern advocate for the poor and needy. Her desire is to see a Sierra Leone where basic opportunities are available for women and children.
Beatrice Hannah Kaifala, Member
​
Beatrice Hannah Kaifala works at the Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board where her responsibilities include educating, defending, and advising low-income individuals on the basic laws of Sierra Leone.
Beatrice has many years of humanitarian experience. With her experience as an advocate for justice, she does not only facilitate partnerships with other agencies but has also worked with many organizations that care for those in need. Her wish is to see a Sierra Leone in which basic opportunities are made available for women, children, and the poor.
CanSerra Development Organization Employees
Dr. Abdul Amid Aziz Jalloh
Education Coordinator at CanSerra Schools
MUSU VANDI MUSTAPHA.
Finance/Administration Officer
Will Kargbo
National Director
Samuel Smalle
Finance Officer
Fatamata Blessing Conteh
MEAL Officer
Karene District CanSerra Development Organization Sub Ofice Staff Members
Dauda Conteh
Director
Yeanoh Sesay
Volunteer 1
Alusine Sinneh Turey
Programme Coordinator
Yealie Kadiatu Sesay
Field Manager
Our Valuable and Most Needed Workers in Sierra Leone
Abdul Y Mansaray
Carpenters, Mason, etc.
If you want to know how to do it the very best way - Abdul's your man! He may look young but Abdul has loads of experience and expertise in building schools. From the foundation up, Abdul's dedication to creating schools is A+!
Alie Bangura
Labourer/Plasterman
Alie is a man of many talents, it just so happens that on picture
day we caught him working with the plaster making a smooth
finish to our school's exterior. Seems appropriate though since
Alie is one smooth dude!
Alhassan Sesay
Concrete Transporter
Alhassan is fast! You have to be when you're moving tonnes of cement! And he does it all with a smile, knowing that each wall, each floor, and each school is helping the kids in his village get a solid education.
.jpg)
Alie Karim Bangura
Block Layer
Alie is the man we turn to when we need a solid foundation. His
eye for keeping a straight line is unparalleled to any other!
.jpg)
Karim Bangura
Contractor
Karim knows schools! He knows how to build them and he knows how to build them very well! With years of experience, Karim has seen many children's lives changed because of a good education. It's what keeps him going!
.jpg)
Abdul Bangura
Concrete Mixer
Abdul has a knack for concrete and we rely on him for everything from walls to floors and everything in between. When Abdul's mixing, we know our schools are going to last for many many generations!
Abdul Karim Bangur
Finisher
Abdul is smooth. Yes, you read it right: smooth. With a trowel in his hand no school wall or floor is going to crack or have any bumps
or lumps or defects. It comes with experience and Abdul has been with us for a long time!
.jpg)
Abdul Karim Kamara
Block Layer
If you need muscles and a knack for keeping things in line then Abdul's your man! Abdul comes to CanSerra with years of
experience and a dedicated spirit second to none!
Mr. Ernest
Labourer/Carpenter
Ernest is another one of our dedicated workers who is full of talents. From the ground up, Mr. Ernest knows what to do and how to do it!
Our workers
Carpenters, Masons, etc.
What a team! Behind every school is a team of dedicated workers! Don't let the silliness of the photo fool you - each and everyone of our workers is serious about building our schools from start to finish.
Fatmata Simeon Kamara
Nurse
Fatmata Simeon Kamara graduated as nurse at the paramedical nursing department, Njala University Bo Campus in Sierra Leone. She currently works as a state registered nurse at the Rokupa Government Hospital. She provides medical attention to people in the area. Fatmata lives in Kissy, Sierra Leone with her two children.
Our Vision
To ensure that all marginalized and vulnerable
children and women in rural communities are protected and empowered
through education and
skills training.
Our Mission
To improve, encourage, and enrich the lives of
marginalized and vulnerable children and women in rural
communities in Sierra Leone through the development of educational facilities, skills training and health support.
Our Values
-
Transparency, accountability, & trust
-
Team work
-
Inclusiveness and equality
-
Integrity
-
Transforming lives through education
-
Promoting Health
-
Promoting Human Rights