Meet Marnel Neeltje Breure: a dedicated Dutch volunteer serving with us in the Sunday Homeless Meal Service Program. She is deeply passionate about seeing people experiencing homelessness get the care they deserve. She had this to say as what inspired her as a volunteer: “I wanted to integrated in Freetown society by having a deeper understanding on what is really going on in the city. And as a foreigner in Freetown, it’s very easy to live a life comfortable of luxuries, wherein everything is cool and fine.
But I think that is not the real world. I think it’s a layer in the society that covers the real world. Personally, I am not from a poor background, but I am from a low class in the Netherland. Such has an influence on my social perspective. I am aware of the gap between the rich and the poor; I am aware of that, and I am sensitive to that. So, this is what inspired me to get involved. When asked if she would make a wish for homeless people, what it could be, she said:
“I wish they can be taken seriously, as they are not taking seriously. They live on the street.
Unfortunately, society prefer to ignore them, and I am actually referring to the government, due to the lack of policy for such people and there are no organizations aside from you guys that really focusing on homelessness.
Yes, once in a while there is random charity action. But that is not sustainable at all. I wish the problem of homelessness is taken seriously.”
She ended by encouraging SWSL to keep up the good spirit in caring for homeless people.
Let’s keep sharing the little meals with the help of our sponsors. By sharing is caring…
Marnel, is a journalist by profession, currently living in the country, and she chose to become a volunteer since December 2022. Whenever she is in the country, she donates most of her Sundays.
Marnel is one of our newest homeless champions, and her sacrifices are well appreciated by the members of Social Workers Sierra Leone, including the homeless population. You too can be part of this worthy cause. By donating generously or by volunteering with us.