'Blood Diamond' screening event at Cinestar to benefit the children of Sierra Leone

AAO is hopeful that the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly, will raise awareness about the decade-long war in Sierra Leone and the children who are still suffering its effects. Sponsored by Cinestar, Mall of the Emirates a charity screening of the film will be held on Monday 19th February at 7pm.

Matthew Morgan-Jones, Country Director for All As One in Dubai, said,

"We are delighted to have this opportunity to raise awareness and much needed funds. Thanks to Cinestar all proceeds of the screening will go directly to support the operational costs of our orphanage in Sierra Leone that currently has over 60 children in its care."

The father of three adopted children from Sierra Leone explains, "In the past, orphans in Sierra Leone were raised by extended family members, but the civil war brought devastation to the country, destroying villages and leaving people in abject poverty. Unfortunately, the government does not have the resources to fund child welfare programs and orphanages. This means that the children continue to suffer."

The civil war in Sierra Leone was devastating to the people and economy of the country. Though the conflict ended in 2002, it is the children who are still suffering the most. Operating by donations from residence in the UAE, All As One's Children's Center in Freetown provides shelter, food, clothes, education, and medical care for orphaned and destitute children, who would otherwise be living on the streets.

According to UNICEF, Sierra Leone has a staggering 340,000 orphans. While the number of orphans has decreased significantly in Asia and Latin America since the 1990s, the number in sub-Saharan Africa has increased by more than 50%. With no or little Social Welfare Programs or Government run orphanages, make the need for organizations like All As One even greater. "Countless children in Sierra Leone desperately need love, food, shelter, medical care, and education," says Morgan-Jones. "These are exactly the things All As One Provides, giving the children of Sierra Leone the chance for a better future." Morgan-Jones hopes the film and the screening event will bring needed attention and support to a country much of the world has forgotten.

Cinestar will provide popcorn and a drink to all those attending the screening, and volunteers of All As One will be on hand to answer questions about the organisation and the orphanage in Sierra Leone.