Our Work
in Two Homes
Most of what we do happens here in Washington State, where our members live. Some of it reaches back to the communities in Sierra Leone our families come from.
It Started with A Circle of Chairs
In 2017, a group of Sierra Leoneans in the Pacific Northwest sat down together in a backyard and decided to do something for their community. Nine years on, that circle is SLCDAW.
2017
first met, as Mulema
2024
became SLCDAW
0
paid staff, all volunteers
Our Mission
We foster economic opportunity and build resilient communities, through community-driven work that supports lasting growth.
Our Vision
We see a future where communities thrive and poverty turns into prosperity, and where every member of our community has the chance to succeed.
Meet the Chairman
Charles Kaikai
Chairman of SLCDAW
Welcome to the Sierra Leone Community Development Association in Washington (SLCDAW).
Formerly known as the Mulema Organization, SLCDAW is dedicated to preserving our rich cultural heritage while empowering our community in the Pacific Northwest through educational, social, and economic opportunities.
As a non-profit organization, we celebrate key life milestones—from academic achievements to special family events—and actively improve lives both locally and in Sierra Leone. Through member contributions, we provide essential resources, including safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and medical supplies to rural communities back home.
We invite Sierra Leoneans across Washington State, as well as community and government partners, to join us in advancing unity, diversity, and progress.
Six Values, Held in One Circle
Our logo is a circle of hands around Sierra Leone. Each value is one of those hands. Choose one to see what it looks like in practice.
Respect for members and clients
“Everyone who comes to us is treated with dignity.”
Any community in Sierra Leone or student in Washington can ask for support, and the committee reads every request.
Serve humanity with integrity
“We do what we say, and we say what we did.”
Every project page shows where it happened, when, and who we worked with.
Accountable to members and clients
“Members see the numbers and vote on priorities.”
Our Treasurer reports to members every year, and members vote on the next year’s work.
Communicate effectively
“Clear updates on every project, from start to handover.”
Photos from every well handover and every student recognition are shared back with the community.
Promote innovation and technology
“Tools that open doors for our community.”
15 laptops and tablets donated to students in Washington across 2025 and 2026.
Passionate and effective leadership
“Volunteer leaders who turn up and follow through.”
Every officer is a volunteer, elected by members. None of them is paid.
Our History
From a backyard in Washington to wells in five districts of Sierra Leone. Each postcard is stamped with where it happened.
2017
A Circle of Chairs
A group of us pulled chairs into a circle in a backyard and decided to do something together, with determination and a sense of purpose. We called ourselves Mulema.
A Backyard, Puget Sound
2022 to 2023
Our First Wells
Members in Washington funded our first community water wells, in Pujehun District. They were completed across 2022 and 2023, and started a program that now reaches five districts.
Pujehun District
2024
A New Name
We became the Sierra Leone Community Development Association in Washington State, so that every Sierra Leonean in the Pacific Northwest would know they belong here.
The Pacific Northwest
2025
On The Bus, In Our Own Words
With WSCACL and the Department of Transportation, we learned about public transportation, shared our own experiences of it, and answered a survey for the Youth Transportation Justice Project.
Across Washington
2025
Masked Devils, Far From Home
With JHP Cultural and Diversity Legacy, we brought traditional masked devils, dresses and accessories to the Multicultural Heritage Festival.
Heritage Festival
2025
1,350 Bricks for Bo
We gave 1,350 bricks to rebuild the hospital’s fence, improving its infrastructure and the security of patients and staff.
BO Government Hospital
2025
Our First Student Recognition
We presented 10 certificates of recognition for academic achievement, and donated five laptops and a tablet to students.
Our Summer BBQ
2026
Four More Wells
Wells completed in Bombali, Bonthe, Kailahun and Kenema districts, bringing us to eight community water wells across five districts.
Four Districts
2026
Learning How Our Vote Works
With the Northwest Seattle Gambian Association, and funded by the Seattle Foundation, we ran civic engagement workshops open to every member of the community.
Mother Africa, Kent
2026
Still A Circle
Nine years on, we still sit down together. The circle is just much bigger now: 11 more students recognized and 9 more laptops given this summer.
Our Summer BBQ
Pull Up A Chair
Join as a member, volunteer at the next event, or fund the next project.
Give online, by Zelle at 206-372-1921, or by check payable to Sierra Leone Community Development.