The Alpha Project

We have a new friend from Sierra Leone, Africa. His name is Alpha. He has a special visa to come to the US for 6 months a year for 3 years. He wants to build a house for his Mom, daughter, sister, brother and 2 little cousins. We met him last winter and we decided we want to help him build his house.  In Sierra Leone, it will cost around $20,000.00 to build a 4 bedroom house.

This is Alpha at work.


Sierra Leone is located in West Africa on the Atlantic Ocean.  It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches.  It's population is 6 million and is number 14 of the 25 poorest countries in the world. More than 52% of people in Sierra Leone live below the poverty line. Less than half of all adults can read.  There was a civil war that  lasted for about  11 years from 1991-2002 .  There were as many as 300,000 people killed.  There was an Ebola outbreak  in 2015 that killed over 11,000 people.  But luckily there is no more Ebola or civil war.   Alpha makes money by teaching surf lessons and working on people's surf boards. He works hard but it will be hard to support his family and save money to build them a house. 

This is Bureh Beach where Alpha lives and works.


     Alpha is 25 years old. He lives in a surfing town called Bureh Beach.  He has lived there for more than 20 years.  His Mom is a fish monger and he works as a surf instructor for the Bureh Beach Club.  Most people who live in Bureh Town are fishermen.  His Mom's name is Christina and his daughter, who is almost 6, is named Henrietta.  Alpha has one brother and one sister.  He wants to build a house big enough for him, his Mom, his daughter, his brother and sister and 2 small cousins.  His daughter goes to school in Freetown, and hour and fifteen minutes away, the capital of Sierra Leone.  It's named in honor of the slaves who returned to Africa.  

This is a typical house in Bureh Beach, Sierra Leone, Africa. It is similar to what Alpha would like to build. 

This is Alpha's Mother and his daughter Henrietta.

Henrietta. Alpha's daughter.



Hi! We are two homeschooled girls. We met Alpha last Winter when he came to the U.S.   When we found out he has been trying to save enough money to build a home for his family, we were inspired to help him. It’s hard for us to imagine not having a home. It makes us realize how lucky we are and we want to help his family. We have done some research on Sierra Leone, Africa and learned it will be very hard for him to earn enough money to afford a house.  Someday we hope to visit Alpha in his new house and he can teach us how to surf!

My name is Laila Marie Borich. I am 10 years old. I am homeschooled. I live in Victor, Idaho. In summer I like to hike, bike and swim.  In the winter I play hockey, ski and I want to learn to snowboard like Alpha. The reason I want to help Alpha is I couldn't stand  the thought of his little girl not having a home and not having the best life a girl could have. The house will not just help Alpha, his mom and daughter.  It will help his sister, brother and 2 cousins. I have a passion that we can do this. Thanks.

My name is Avery. I am 7 years old and I live in Victor,  Idaho. I enjoy playing hockey, hiking, skiing and mountain biking. I am homeschooled and I love crafting and spelling. I want to help Alpha because he lives in a poor country and he doesn't have a house. It makes me feel sad that his daughter needs a home and that is why I want to help him. Please donate and you will help his family. Thanks!

For more information on Alpha, click on this link! Thanks!

https://www.tetongravity.com/story/snowboard/this-sierra-leone-surfer-spent-winter-ripping-the-tetons