AA flight attendants, Janet Thomas and Michele Silva are flying to Sierra Leone April 3, 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.

Sadly they just missed the Founder of the School, – Anthony Seydu (who has been there in March- and lives in Spain) as he is flying to the United States to receive a prestigious award from the Sierraleonean Association of Musicians and Artists on April 4, 2025 in Maryland. See poster about the Award below.

*****

(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 Janet’s report:

I left on a research mission to Sierra Leone on April 3rd got there on the 4th for the most amazing experience with children in my life. Finding the school was a bit challenging just like finding real diamonds! With the assistance of the residents in the community I found it and yes it was indeed a diamond. Not exactly Diamonds but even more precious than the actual gem. It was a gem of precious Diamond children at the Diamond child school. Just wow I was greeted by some amazing performances of dancing and drums of the Diamond children performing Arts school. I was misty eyed by the warm reception

I was given a tour by the principal and I met all the teachers who were very happy to see me I went into the classrooms and was also greeted by the students.Then it was lunchtime I assisted with serving lunch and more touring of the classrooms. It was a great day for all of us;

The next day I went with Michelle Silva who arrived on Monday 7th of April visited again and served lunch with Michelle assisted by Madam Memuna who cooks for the children. We had a break on Wednesday and then visited again on Thursday we had more performances and talked to the children about the airline industry and the jobs we offer.

The teachers are doing a great job with these children. They are well kept and groomed and speak very good English (Sierra Leone was once a British colony) I wish I can bring them all with me I can’t stop thinking about the Diamond children. It was a very emotional good bye for me. I had so much fun with the children. Talking to them and listening to their stories and enjoying the performances.

This visit changed my life I want to do more to assist children in need. They are our future leaders and we must assist them and nurture them to get thereCan’t wait to see them again. The most amazing experience in my life

Janet Thomas (She later shared that 60 children are camping at the school to have access to at least one meal a day. But more is needed to provide three meals for each of them.)

You can help this project HERE

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!

$25,000 total goal $6,085 remaining

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 continue 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 – provides a daily meal to 1 student throughout the academic year.

$50 – provides a daily meal to 2 students throughout the academic year.

$100 – provides a daily meal to 4 students throughout the academic year.

$200 – provides a daily meal to 8 students throughout the academic year.

$400 – provides a daily meal to 16 students throughout the academic year.

$500 – provides a daily meal to 20 students throughout the academic year.

$750 – provides a daily meal to 30 students throughout the academic year.

$1,000 provides a daily meal to 40 students throughout the academic year.

What will a monthly donation do?

$25 – each recurring donation provides a daily meal for another student

$50 each recurring donation provides a daily meal for another 2 students

$100 – each recurring donation provides a daily meal for another 4 students

$200 – each recurring donation provides a daily meal for another 8 students

$400 – each recurring donation provides a daily meal for 16 students

$500 – provides a daily meal for another 20 studenst throughout the academic year.

$750 – provides a daily meal for another 30 students throughout the academic year.

$1,000 – provides a daily meal for another 40 students throughout the academic year.

You 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:

Diamond School in Sierra Leone