AN INTERVIEW WITH ALTHEA NORCOTT, CHAIR OF THE FREETOWN CITY COMMITTEE

How did you first get involved?

I got involved with Freetown, Sierra Leone, when Tim Shriver asked me to co-chair the host town program for Sierra Leone during the 1995 Special Olympics World Games. Although New Haven was hosting the world, when Sierra Leone finally got permission to attend, all the towns had countries so they needed someone to host them. I met a lot of wonderful people who worked hard to make the athletes feel at home and make their experience memorable. After the games, Al Marder asked me about starting a Sister City. He did the legwork and Alderwoman Esther Armand brought the petition before the aldermen.

What types of events have you held in the past year?

What have been their outcomes?We had an Abalabi (a gathering of one) at Southern Connecticut State University in March. It was supposed to be an event that the Sierra Leoneans in our group were going to help put on to raise money for the library we are hoping to build at a girl’s orphanage in Sierra Leone. Although we had great time, they underestimated the number of Sierra Leoneans who would attend so we did not make any money.
We had a campaign to raise money for the library by reaching out to schools, local organizations, churches, etc. We had our traditional Amistad Sunday service at Dixwell Avenue UCC church.
More recently, we traveled to College Park, Maryland to receive a humanitarian leadership award from the National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA).

Have you visited the city?

I have visited Freetown, Sierra Leone, three times, in 1997, 2004, and 2007. All trips were amazing. The first gave a feel for the country and the needs of Freetown. Unfortunately, as we left, the country continued its rebel war.
On the second trip we witnessed the devastation of the war. The third trip showed us that there was hope for the future yet lots of work to be done. It was a great privilege to stay at the home of the president of Fourbay College on our second visit. The trip to Bunce Island on our first trip with Mayor Dillsworth and Mohamad Barrie was hauntingly unforgettable. This island was one of the places that captives were taken as they awaited being shipped to the Americas. 
How does the work of your committee directly affect citizens of Freetown?We have fixed a roof of a school which was destroyed during the war. We have sent six 40-foot cargo containers by ourselves and with others filled with school and medical supplies.

What is your favorite event of the year?

Although the Abalabi was a lot of work, because everyone enjoyed themselves it was my favorite. The talented South African dancers were a hit with everyone and we felt good knowing that we were helping to promote them.