Poland and Sierra Leone have a long-standing relationship, particularly in the area of education and religion. One of the most notable aspects of this relationship is the presence of Catholic missionaries in Sierra Leone, many of whom are Polish.

1. Poland most beloved Pope, John Paul II, has played a significant role in this relationship. His almost-visit to Sierra Leone was canceled at the last minute due to the rebel war, but his presence has left an indelible mark on the country. The Catholic missionaries in Sierra Leone, who have been coming and going since the end of the war, have been working tirelessly to improve education and provide psychosocial support to girls and women.
2. The Congregation of the Sisters of Merciful Jesus, a Polish-based organization, has been particularly instrumental in strengthening the Polish-Sierra Leone relationship. They established St. Faustina Pre-School in Kambia, northern Sierra Leone, in December 2016, which currently has an enrollment of 115 children. The school aims to provide a solid educational foundation for children, particularly those who are underprivileged.
3. The Catholic missionaries in Sierra Leone also teach at the Kolenten Senior Secondary School and have established several school facilities across the country. They have been working in partnership with the Sierra Leonean government to provide basic education to nearly 20,000 children and adolescents.
4. Joseph Conrad’s short story, “An Outpost of Progress,” published in 1897, where a Sierra Leonean character named Henry Price is central to the story. Conrad’s admiration for Price is evident throughout the story, emphasizing the importance of the Sierra Leonean’s role in the author’s thinking. The story highlights Price’s interactions with the outside world, making it a significant contribution to the Polish-Sierra Leone relationship, particularly in the field of education.
5. In addition to education and religion, there is also a need for stronger political and economic ties between Poland and Sierra Leone. However, currently, there is no Sierra Leonean embassy or consulate in Poland. The nearest Sierra Leone diplomatic representations to Poland are located in Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Frankfurt, Germany.
6. Recently, there has been a positive development in this regard, with the appointment of Mr. Yasser Al Chahne as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Freetown. Mr. Al Chahne is a Sierra Leonean of Lebanese origin, and his appointment was marked by a ceremony attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Joanna Tarnawska, and the Consul of the Republic of Poland, Paulina Wybrańczyk, from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Abuja, which is also accredited in Sierra Leone.
7. Polish citizens, foreign embassy representatives, and honorary consuls of other countries attended the ceremony. During their speeches, the Ambassador and Honorary Consul expressed their hope that the consulate’s activities would intensify mutual relations, mainly economic, and provide support for Polish citizens living and working in Sierra Leone.
8. The Freetown consular office is one of the four honorary consulates of the Republic of Poland in the consular district of the Polish Embassy in Abuja. The others are located in Accra, Yaounde, and Cotonou. This recent development marks an important milestone in the relationship between Poland and Sierra Leone, as it will facilitate the exchange of people, ideas, and goods between the two countries. The consulate will also provide essential services to polish citizens living in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leoneans wishing to visit or do business in Poland. With the establishment of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Sierra Leone, the two countries are expected to strengthen their political, economic, and cultural ties.
9. It is estimated that around 30 individuals of Polish nationality are currently involved in different activities in Sierra Leone. However, we lack an official count for the number of Sierra Leoneans currently residing in Poland. The establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of a consulate in Poland could help address this issue.
10. Polish Aid, a development assistance program, has funded several projects in Sierra Leone, including the establishment of the St. Faustina Pre-School. Another project implemented by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Abuja was the development project in Kambia, which aimed to provide equal educational opportunities for children and youth. The project consisted of renovating an existing building, renovating toilets and showers, purchasing furniture, teaching materials, and providing computers. Additionally, the purchase and installation of solar panels were financed to ensure the continuity of the center’s operation.
11. In conclusion, the relationship between Poland and Sierra Leone has a strong foundation in education and religion, and there is potential for growth in political and economic ties. The presence of Catholic missionaries in Sierra Leone, particularly those from Poland, has been significant in shaping this relationship, and Polish Aid has played a crucial role in funding development projects in the country.