Gratitude That Moves: A Thanksgiving Reflection
By Dr. Adama Kalokoh | November 27, 2025
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at IMPACT SIERRA LEONE
Thanksgiving asks us a simple question: What are you grateful for?
At Impact Sierra Leone, we’re asking a deeper one: What does gratitude build?
When Gratitude Opens Your Eyes
I remember the first time I visited Foindu village. I went expecting to serve, to help, to give. Instead, I received something far more valuable: perspective.
What struck me wasn’t what the community lacked. It was what I had taken for granted my entire life. Clean water flowing from a tap. Roads that connected one place to another. Necessities and Stores/ Markets accessible without a day’s journey. These weren’t basic rights in Foindu—they were luxuries.
The 1991-2002 Civil War in Sierra Leone had left its mark. Development was happening, but slowly, painfully slowly. And yet, the people weren’t waiting for rescue. They were rebuilding with whatever they had, however they could.
That’s when I understood: True gratitude isn’t feeling thankful for what we have. It’s recognizing what others have built despite having far less. It’s honoring their strength. It’s learning from their resilience.
Three Languages of Gratitude
At Impact Sierra Leone, we speak three languages—and today, all three are singing thanksgiving:
The Language of the Heart reminds us to be grateful for the communities who trust us, who welcome us, who teach us that poverty isn’t lack of potential—only lack of opportunity.
The Language of Impact shows us gratitude in metrics: agricultural programs creating food security, infrastructure projects connecting communities, and empowerment initiatives replacing dependence with dignity. Our mission to reduce poverty through sustainable practices isn’t charity—it’s a partnership to secure a brighter future.
The Language of Belonging declares that United, we stand. Together, we rise. This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful we don’t stand alone. We stand together.
Gratitude in Action
Gratitude that stops at feeling is incomplete. Real gratitude moves.
That’s why on December 5th, we’re hosting an Evening of Hope fundraiser: A cultural reception with Impact Sierra Leone at the WBGR STUDIOS, Landover, Maryland. Planting the seeds of Hope isn’t passive; it’s active, funded, and strategic. Join us to celebrate what we’re grateful for and build what comes next.
Also, on December 12th, we’ll gather in Sierra Leone with the communities we serve. Not as helpers and helped, but as partners giving thanks together, celebrating the Christmas Day of Hope Festivities.
What We’re Building
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for:
The wisdom of communities that’ve survived war and chosen rebuilding over bitterness.
The donors, volunteers, supporters, and partners who understand that empowerment takes time and trust.
The 40 Women farmers of the ISL Women’s Agribusiness Collective are receiving seeds and teaching sustainable practices that feed families and futures.
Our Seeds of Life Program, the construction of the Impact Vocational Skills Training center, and everyone who invests in long-term change. Thank You—for reading this, for considering partnership over pity.
Most of all, I’m grateful for what we’re building together: a world where infrastructure reaches those who need it most, where agriculture means food security, where belonging isn’t geography—it’s commitment.
United, we stand. Together, we rise.
That’s not just our motto. That’s our gratitude in action.
Join us on December 5th for our Evening of Hope. Let’s turn thanksgiving into transformation.
Dr. Adama Kalokoh
CEO, Impact Sierra Leone