Develop Salone - DESAL
Empowering Communities • Building Futures • Creating Change
Founded in 2009, Develop Salone (DESAL) is a leading national NGO dedicated to driving sustainable development in Sierra Leone. Operating across eight districts—Bombali, Koinadugu, Falaba, Karene, Port Loko, Tonkolili, Kambia, and Western Rural—DESAL works to empower vulnerable communities by fostering self-reliance, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and enhancing resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Develop Salone - DESAL
Founded in 2009, Develop Salone (DESAL) is a leading national NGO dedicated to driving sustainable development in Sierra Leone. Operating across eight districts —Bombali, Koinadugu, Falaba, Karene, Port Loko, Tonkolili, Kambia, and Western Rural—DESAL works to empower vulnerable communities by fostering self-reliance, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and enhancing resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Focus Areas
Here are some of the things that we do.
Agriculture And Food Security
DESAL promotes climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable food production. Programs focus on crop diversification, access to quality seeds and tools, livestock development, and establishing farmer cooperatives for improved market access.
Women's Economic Empowerment
Through targeted entrepreneurship training and microfinance initiatives, DESAL empowers women to become economically self-reliant. The organization supports women's leadership in decision-making processes and helps them access financial resources to grow their businesses.
Education
DESAL enhances education access and quality by building and upgrading school infrastructure, providing teacher training, and advocating for girls' education. The organization focuses on inclusive education, aiming to reduce barriers for marginalized groups.
Environmental Conservation
With a strong focus on natural resource management, DESAL promotes reforestation, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable land management. The organization integrates climate change mitigation strategies into its programs, ensuring communities are equipped to adapt to environmental challenges.
Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene (WASH)
DESAL improves access to clean water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities. WASH initiatives include constructing water wells, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and conducting hygiene awareness campaigns.
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Join us in transforming communities across Sierra Leone
Focus Areas
Here are some of the things that we do.
Agriculture and Food Security
DESAL promotes climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable food production. Programs focus on crop diversification, access to quality seeds and tools, livestock development, and establishing farmer cooperatives for improved market access.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
Through targeted entrepreneurship training and microfinance initiatives, DESAL empowers women to become economically self-reliant. The organization supports women’s leadership in decision-making processes and helps them access financial resources to grow their businesses.
Education
DESAL enhances education access and quality by building and upgrading school infrastructure, providing teacher training, and advocating for girls’ education. The organization focuses on inclusive education, aiming to reduce barriers for marginalized groups.
Environmental Conservation
With a strong focus on natural resource management, DESAL promotes reforestation, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable land management. The organization integrates climate change mitigation strategies into its programs, ensuring communities are equipped to adapt to environmental challenges.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
DESAL improves access to clean water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities. WASH initiatives include constructing water wells, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and conducting hygiene awareness campaigns.
Your Impact
Your support for DESAL brought relief and hope to people around the nation.
Develop Salone - DESAL
DESAL addresses critical areas such as food security, women's empowerment, education, environmental protection, and good governance.
Our interventions target women, youth, and other vulnerable groups. Our work is driven by community buy-in, key stakeholder engagement and a continuous feedback loop that informs our decision-making in all communities we serve.
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Make a Difference Today
Your support helps us continue our vital work in communities across Sierra Leone. Whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, you can be part of creating positive change.
Latest News
Your support helps us continue our vital work in communities across Sierra Leone. Whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, you can be part of creating positive change.
Testimonials
What people say about DESAL
“The training provided by DESAL has transformed our community. We now have sustainable farming techniques that have doubled our crop yields and improved food security for everyone.”
Aminata Kamara
Farmer in Bombali District
“DESAL’s women’s empowerment program gave me the skills and confidence to start my own business. Now I can provide for my family and send my children to school.”
Fatmata Sesay
Entrepreneur in Western Urban Disrict
“The water project implemented by DESAL in our village has dramatically reduced waterborne diseases and improved the health of our entire community.”
Ibrahim Koroma
Community Leader, Karene District
”These briquettes have changed how we cook and how we live. I now see briquette production as something that will bring money without destroying our forest.”
Fudia Samura
Community Facilitator, Karene District
Our Donors & Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
DESAL (Develop Salone) is an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and economic growth in Sierra Leone. We work with local communities, government entities, and international partners to implement projects that improve quality of life and create opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
DESAL (Develop Salone) is an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and economic growth in Sierra Leone. We work with local communities, government entities, and international partners to implement projects that improve quality of life and create opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
Our mission is to empower Sierra Leonean communities through sustainable development initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic empowerment to build a prosperous and self-reliant Sierra Leone.
We currently operate throughout Sierra Leone, with a focus on both urban centers and rural communities. Our headquarters is in Makeni, with regional offices in Keneme, BO, and Karene.
DESAL focuses on several key development areas:
- Education and vocational training
- Healthcare and public health initiatives
- Infrastructure development
- Agricultural improvement and food security
- Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship support
- Environmental sustainability and climate resilience
- Technology and digital inclusion
Our projects are selected based on:
- Community needs assessments
- Alignment with national development priorities
- Potential for sustainable impact
- Available resources and partnerships
- Input from local stakeholders and beneficiaries
Yes, we collaborate with various partners including:
- Local and national government entities
- International development agencies
- NGOs and civil society organizations
- Private sector companies
- Academic and research institutions
- Community-based organizations
You can make financial contributions through:
- Our secure online donation portal
- Bank transfers
- Mobile money services
- In-person at our offices Visit our “Donate” page for detailed information on how to contribute.
Join Our Mission
Help us create sustainable change in Sierra Leone. Your support enables us to continue empowering vulnerable communities, promoting food security, protecting the environment, and advancing education and women’s rights.