After her recent visit to Newton, Claire Lintern says "Newton has changed so much since my last visit 6 years ago. The skills centre looks fantastic, and once the blocks are secure we really need to support the committee by providing computers and equipment to make the place work. The schools are really keen to continue linking to the Olney schools, and the children were incredibly welcoming to us when we visited. Some strangers came up to us and said how fantastic the work of the link is, how the whole community is benefitting, and how grateful they are to the UK for our support. that brought a lump to the throat!"

This is a snapshot of life for a Sierra Leonian

"I get up from bed at 6am. I live in a very poor house. To make money I teach sometimes, I can also make GARA DYING (BATIC), I open emails for people, freelance for the newspaper, study children in area few not all. Yesterday I had tea for breakfast, rice for lunch if I have, rice for dinner if I have. If the money is not enough to buy rice well I buy GARIE, the bottom line is I put something in my stomach. My problem is I don't like to beg even when things are hard. I have one believe that what God has planned for me would surely come one day."

We have many photographs of Newton, the people involved in the link and the comminuty.

We receive emails from both Abu Bakarr and Mabinty updating us on the progress on all the aspects of the link. Mabinty has been training hard both as a midwife and to improve her accounting skills. Abu Bakarr is at college, so is on hand duirng the college break to oversee the construction of the skills centre. We also receive regular updates from Brima Kabbia, a Baptist minister in the town. Read here some of their latest emails.

                           news from Mabinty Mabinty emailed us recentlywith a report on the financial dealings over the past few months. The link shows you the basics of how the money has been spent. She also sends more personal emails, which give a valuable insight into life in Newton. The Link have provided her with a laptop and printer to help her in her role as Treasurer.

                                Bakarr's report Bakarr also updates us on the skills centre. For his latest update, look on the skills centre page.

                             news from Brima  Brima has been recently elected as Chair of the Community Health Care Committee. This has the responsibility for improving health care facilities in Newton. This is vital work, and we will support Brima in any way we can.