Sierra Leone faces stark challenges: a literacy rate of approximately 43% and rural school attendance as low as 2% among school-age children. Food insecurity and lack of access to clean water compound the hardship. In response, Sir Patrick Bijou, a UK-based investment banker and humanitarian patron, is expanding his philanthropic engagement across Sierra Leone and India, concentrating on education, clean water, food security, and vocational training.
Through his patronage of the New Empowerment Initiative – Sierra Leone (NEI-SL), Sir Patrick has provided both strategic and financial support. He funded the registration and institutional setup of NEI-SL, including office infrastructure, equipment, and the purchase of four plots of land in Bo to establish a permanent headquarters. 'Support must go beyond short-term relief,' Sir Patrick said. 'If you build the institution properly, the work can continue long after one donation.'
In 2025, Sir Patrick contributed US$5,000 to supply scholastic materials to 76 primary students at Abubakarr Islamic Mission School in Tikonko Chiefdom. The donation included learning materials and chalk supplies for teachers in classrooms that operate in makeshift structures. 'Early education shapes the entire future,' he said. 'If the foundation is weak, everything built on it struggles.'
Water access remains critical. In Hill Station, Bo District, families walk up to 4 kilometres for water. Sir Patrick contributed US$2,500 toward construction of a hand-dug well expected to serve 1,500 residents. The well remains partially completed due to funding gaps. 'Clean water should not be a privilege,' he said. 'It is a starting point for health, dignity, and productivity.' According to global health data, waterborne diseases remain one of the leading causes of preventable illness in developing regions.
In Nyeyama Village, where food insecurity has been persistent, Sir Patrick donated US$20,000 to support 250 farmers cultivating inland valley swamp rice. The intervention expanded cultivation to four hectares, improving household food supply and income generation. 'When local effort meets structured support, change becomes visible,' he said.
Through a US$3,000 contribution, 13 youths in Bo City received vocational training uniforms in trades including tailoring, masonry, carpentry, and electricity. The initiative aims to scale toward broader youth employment solutions. Sir Patrick also serves as patron of Snahalaya Ashram in India, supporting programmes focused on vulnerable women and children.
His involvement extends beyond funding. He supports governance, sustainability planning, and institutional partnerships to reduce dependency and increase long-term viability. 'Philanthropy must be structured,' he said. 'Impact comes from continuity, not headlines.'
The initiatives underscore a long-term approach. To read the full interview, visit the website here.
