Top: Josephine Wilberforce and Dr. Jonathan Rose
Bottom: Rebecca Johnson and Ibrahim Seisay
Rural Health Care Initiative wishes to extend its gratitude to 4 amazing people who have recently retired from our board of directors or staff in Tikonko.
Josephine Wilberforce, Senior Midwife at Mbao-mi Mothers’ Home in Tikonko, is credited for leading the successful operations of the birth waiting home, opening in January 2018. With years of experience, and the respect of the Bo District medical community, Josephine immediately brought credibility to RHCI’s work. For the past 3 years, she has provided skilled and compassionate care for many pregnant and post-partum mothers and newborn babies. She will be missed.
Dr. Jonathan Rose, founding RHCI board member of RHCI in Minnesota, served on the board as treasurer from 2011 to 2020. He brought with him dedication to RHCI’s mission and connections to the Sierra Leone Community in Minnesota. Having grown up in Freetown and educated as an engineer working at 3M, Dr. Rose’s expertise was invaluable to the effective work of the RHCI Board of Directors since its founding.
Rebecca Johnson, board member 2013-2020, grew up in eastern Sierra Leone as the daughter of a paramount chief. Her experiences and knowledge of Sierra Leone, its history and culture were an important source of understanding for the Board. Previously she has also served on the OneVillage Partners Board.
Ibrahim Seisay, board member from 2018-2020, provided connections to the broader community in Minnesota and beyond. He was instrumental in recruiting funding sources from his work at RBC Financial in Minneapolis, and his connection to NOSLINA (National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America). He nominated Alice Karpeh for the NOSLINA distinguished Humanitarian Award, an honor which she received in 2019.
These four individuals have served RHCI with distinction, contributing to our successful impact on maternal and child health in the rural Tikonko Chiefdom. Words are inadequate to express our appreciation. Bi-ka-ka-ka-ka! (Thank you very, very, very much in the Mende language.)