Providing access to clean water has always been the cornerstone of our work. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how, with access to safe water—and the right support—communities can transform their future. We are always exploring new ways to support this transformation. This year, we are focussing on helping communities mitigate the impacts of climate change.

In Sierra Leone, our team has been working on two critical areas: sustainable forestry practices and energy-efficient cooking models.
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Combating Deforestation in Kargboro Chiefdom

In Kargboro Chiefdom, unsustainable logging has led to significant deforestation, driving greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and ultimately impact on the water supply. To address this, a pilot project was launched in Gbualail and Salima. Community volunteers were trained in:

- Selective logging

- Agroforestry techniques

- Construction and maintenance of locally built, energy-efficient cookstoves

- Sustainable wood use

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The Efficient Stove: A Simple Yet Powerful Innovation

WellFound introduced a locally constructed efficient cooking stove that uses only one bundle of firewood, emits far less smoke, and is cheap and easy to build. It’s safer—reducing the risk of burns—and healthier for families and the environment.

By contrast, the traditional three-stone fire consumes 3–4 bundles of wood weekly. Gathering this firewood takes 3–5 hours per week and produces heavy smoke, posing health risks, especially for children.

During a visit to the communities, our CEO encouraged us to work closely with residents to co-create a sustainable, energy-efficient solution. Through a series of workshops and community consultations, the project gained strong local support.

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Real Impact in Gbualail

In Gbualail, 50 households that once used 200 bundles of firewood per week now use just 50 bundles—a 75% reduction. This not only conserves local forests but also eases the daily burden on families.
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A Community Voice: Safiatu Koroma

In a follow-up meeting led by our Climate Change Coordinator, Safiatu Koroma, chairlady of the local Market Garden, shared her experience:

“I want to thank WellFound for what they have done for us and this new method of cooking in Gbualail. I used to burn five bundles of wood that lasted only a short while. With this new stove, I only use three sticks per pot—six sticks total. It’s easy to use, and I’ve had no issues. Thank you again, WellFound!”

Lasting Change

This innovative cooking solution does more than reduce our carbon footprint—it empowers communities, improves health, supports the local economy, and protects the environment.

WellFound remains committed to tackling climate change and making a lasting impact in the communities we serve.

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