What is CIP? CIP is an acronym for Community Initiative Progam.How did the CIP start? During the war in Sierra Leone (circa 1993), educated and skilled community members decided to establish their own development organization in the Mile 91 area. International Aid agencies had pulled out of Sierra Leone, and the violence from the war left many communities decimated. Unwilling to wait for the end of the war, these local civilians decided to take action. With some support and a minor fundraising effort in the United States, the CIP team initiated it's first efforts to rebuild their community.
How does the CIP determine what projects to pursue? The CIP meets with local community leaders to determine what projects to pursue. Once a "need" is established, a careful plan is constructed including what the community will do for themselves, and what is needed from outside support (if any) to complete the project. The CIP details a budget and sends it to the United States where donors are solicited. The CIP is directed in Sierra Leone by Mr. Manfred Musa.
What areas of interest are "developed?" The CIP focuses their efforts on education, health, community enrichment, sports and agriculture.What projects have been accomplished, or are being planned?
Giving v. Lending: Giving is very charitable, but not sustainable. Therefore, CIP prefers to establish partnerships with individuals in the community. We aim for a project where the individual profits, the community profits, the country profits, and CIP ultimately profits too. We aim to be self-sustaining at some point in the future.
Please see detailed blogs for project descriptions.
