Any regular follower of my blog will know that I like to focus on the brighter side of life in Africa (I live in Sierra Leone) as I like to challenge some of the negative stereotypes that exist out there. However, to ignore the poverty and corruption that cut through the continent is to tell only half the story. I have been really challenged this week by the desperate circumstances some children find themselves in. As part of an upcoming Craig Bellamy Foundation film I have been managing we spent time shooting at the rubbish dump in Kingstom. One of our wonderful staff members Coach Ernest spends time almost daily at the dump with children that collect aluminium cans for sale. He encourages them to join his football team Syke Rangers and then also slowly coaxes them back into school. Football is used as a really powerful vehicle for change. I intend to return to the rubbish dump to spend time focusing in on the stories of hope brought about by engagement with the ‘beautiful game’ but in the meantime here are a couple of shots….

Looking out over Freetown. Mabiniti currently works as a scrap collector.

The dump is a harsh environment for young children.

Homes and businesses operate alongside the rubbish dump