In December 2007, Clare Reddington (me), Greg Browning, James Dowling and Toby Smith visited the district of Kambia in Sierra Leone to film ‘Call Di Lifesaver!‘ a 30 minute film in Krio, the local language.
For the last few years, James has worked for The Kambia Appeal a UK medical charity that has been working in Kambia District since 1992. Sierra Leone is rated by the United Nations as one of the poorest countries in the world, with the highest maternal mortality rate in Africa.
In 2007, The Kambia Appeal gave six motorbike ambulances to two small clinics near Kambia Town, allowing villagers access to emergency care and enabling nurses to refer patients to the hospital.
Using Greg’s skills as a professional film maker, James’ script writing, Toby’s unrivaled ability to make meticulous shot logs and my talent in holding a boom and shouting action, we worked with local people as actors and producers to create three stories centred around the ambulances.
The film will be used by clinic staff to sensitise local communities to use and trust the ambulances. This journal captures some of our experiences staying and working in Kambia District.
