AA flight attendants, Janet Thomas and Michele Silva are flying to Sierra Leone in April, 2025 on a research mission to set up trips to visit the Diamond School of Arts and Culture. Let us know if you are interested by sending an email to angels@airlineamb.org.
(Anthony) Seydu is a vocalist, songwriter, percussionist and luthier, who was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to a family of musicians. He grew up listening to the songs of his mother, mix Fullah and Mandingo, and assimilating the rhythms that his grandfather played on the drums. And these experiences have marked his musical identity. He has played with great artists including Stevie Wonder (in Spain) Alejandro Sanz, Kiko Veneno, Auserón Santiago, Miguel Bosé, Rosario Flores, Ketama, Serrat, Kepa Junkera, Youssou N’Dour and Lokua Kanza.
Here is his most recent report:
“Well as we enter the the new School term, we are reciving more and more students due to an economic crisis that is making things very very hard for families in Sierra Leone. The local courency (Leone) is Just out of control and the inflation in basic goods is Just too bad!
Families cant afford to send there children to Comercial Schools as they Just cant pay. So in Diamond Child School we expirience more than 200 new in take apart of our previous 458 Students!
With more Girls than boys as usual as they are the most vulnerable part of our Nation , they Guide and protect the African Familly!
Thanks once again all the best From Madrid. Seydu
He recently won another award in Californa (see page bottom) and Janet was able to meet up with him on a layover when she was in Madrid!
Here is Janet’s report:
‘On April 3rd I had the privilige of partaking in a research mission to my country of birth, Sierra Leone, an opportunity that woid become the most amazing experience I’ve had with children in my life! With the assistance of the local residents, I found not just a diamond school community, but something even more precious than the gem itself. The children of the Diamond school were indeed quite special. After being greeted with extraordinary performances including dancing and music of the Diamond Children Performing Arts School, I was left misty eyed by such a warm reception.
I was given a tour of the school by the principal where I met all of the teachers who were equally excited to introduce themselves. Walking into each classroom I was cheerfully greeted by more of the delightful students. During lunchtime, I was able to assist with serving lunch before finishing the rest of the tour. It was a great day for all of us.
The following day, I was joined by Michelle Silva where we visited the school again and served lunch side by side with the assistance of the school cook, Madam Memuna. On the day of our last visit at the end of the week, we received a memorable and bittersweet goodbye with more performances by the children. With our parting words we spoke to the children about the airline industry and the job opportunities offered
The teachers are doing an astounding job with these children. They are very cared for, well groomed, and speak great English.
I can’t stop thinking about the Diamond children, I wish I could bring them all back home with me! It was definitely a very emotional goodbye for me as I had so much fun speaking to them, listening to their stories, of course not forgetting the well choreographed performances.
This visit changed my life and I have made it my personal mission to do more to assist children in need. They are our future leaders. We must assist them, provide them proper resources, and nurture them to succeed. I can’t wait to see them again, and this was truly the most amazing experience of my life., Janet Thomas
See also this overview from Michele Sliva where she identifies 3 main goals for our team: See her full report HERE
#1 The first, the nutrition program which is already being addressed by Airline Ambassadors International (AAI). This is one of their biggest daily challenges. In addition to the daily nutrition program, I propose that we extend the nutrition program to include the three weeks the children and teachers are in the summer camp and meals during the day(s) the children take the exam. This would be an on-going annual event.
#2 The second challenge is the cost for the students to take the Basic Education Certification Examination. The fee to sit for the examination is $60 USD per student. This is a prohibitive amount for the family of the children served by the Diamond Child School. I propose that AAI raise the funds to cover the cost or as much of the cost as possible of the examination. This would be an on-going annual event.
#3 The third challenge, providing the girl students with menstrual hygiene products. I recommend that AAI embrace this project and raise funds to purchase Days for Girls Kits for all the girls 10 years of age and older (or 9 years of age based on the need). The initial expense would be somewhat costly, thereafter, it would be a much smaller number of kits each year.
You can help this project HERE
Seydu, the Founder of the Diamond School received another award of Excellence at the Salome Awards in San Jose Califonia on July 5, 2025
and here are some videos so you get the feel of being there!
and Janet serves the Diamonds! Some of them their only meal of the day:
Seydu founded an NGO, Diamond Child School of Arts & Culture in 2005 to provide an opportunity for disadvantaged children and youth in his country. We have been supporting this project, for the last few years. hopefully you can join them on a mission when it is set again this fall!
You can see more about the project below:
Summary of Diamond School for Arts and Culture:
Over 400 students, (ages 5-14) who attend Diamond Child School (est. 2005) are at risk of dropping out if they aren’t guaranteed a balanced meal daily; for most, the only nutritious meal received in any given week. A healthy diet that includes vegetables and fruit boosts the immune system of these vulnerable “Diamonds”, especially during this lingering Covid-19 pandemic. A nutritious meal is key to helping students listen, focus, learn and stay healthy, while staying in school!
Challenge
Many students at the Diamond Child School are undernourished. These children receive a small breakfast and balanced lunch in situ. Often, this is the child’s only meal of the day. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our ability to raise funds for this program has been impossible through traditional activities in Spain,where Diamond Child is headquartered. We need funds to c
ontinue this program because children can’t learn on an empty belly!
Solution
Our “Serving UP” project provides a balanced meal and snack to students throughout the academic year. The program boosts nutrition through its small ecological garden. The school garden offers hands on experience to understand basic seasonal farming, . This knowledge is useful outside class as essential lessons on planting at home: what to plant, when to plant it and how to administer foodstuffs.
Long-Term Impact
Securing and serving at least five healthy meals each week has supported improved performance by students in class. Good nutrition helps boost the child’s immune system and keep them in school. A pleasantly full tummy gives the child more energy which helps him focus, learn and achieve an educational background to build a successful life on! “Serving UP” offers nutrition which is the basis of success….in school…and in life.
what will a pne time donation do?
$25 – each recurring donation provides a daily meal for another studentYou can support this project HERE!
He also wrote a song “Mami Wata” to support our effort a few years ago to provide water for the Hopi in the United States. The video below highlights our work with Clean Water Foundtion to showcase the delivery of water filters throughout the world- See below:
