Tag Archive: Joseph Lassayo

Crossing the finish line with our first pineapple harvest

In November of 2013, hard-working Sierra Leoneans planted the first pineapple suckers in the village of Bauy a in Sierra Leone, as part of a new Just Hope venture there to create economic opportunity for the community. Over the following several months, the workers planted a total of five acres and 90,000 pineapple plants. To ensure… continue reading

Locals take chances, achieve a thriving, dry-season garden in Bauya

Joe Lassayo, who has worked with Just Hope for nearly a year as foreman in Bauya, Sierra Leone, and his wife Jenneh, are great examples of the determined, hard-working people we have the honor of knowing. We are astounded and delighted with the thriving garden they are maintaining during Sierra Leone’s dry season. By incorporating… continue reading

Gearing up, forcing pineapples

Last month we reported that our pineapple crop appeared to be fruiting early, not good news given that our processing plant buyer was still shut down due to Ebola. We also were concerned that we were unable to completely understand the extent of the fruiting, because our crew was unable to penetrate the razor-sharp rows… continue reading

What are we going to do with 90,000 pineapples?

In our line of work, the phrase “subject to change” is common in our vocabulary. Solid, well formed plans are without question a necessary component of our success. And yet the plans, and we who implement them, must remain flexible, because circumstances change – sometimes, on a dime. We are certainly experiencing an extreme dose… continue reading

Ebola Update

We are sad to report that Joseph Lassayo, who supervises our work crew in Bauya, Sierra Leone, has lost his sister to Ebola. She lived in a village about 30 miles from Bauya. Our prayers are with Joseph and his family, and we ask for your continued prayers as well. We are getting reports that… continue reading

Workers’ temperatures checked daily

Joseph Lassayo, crew manager for our Sierra Leone project, checks workers’ temperatures every morning before work begins using a non-contact infrared thermometer. Early detection of Ebola gives the victim a better chance for survival and limits the spread of the disease. Anyone showing signs of Ebola will be assisted in receiving medical treatment.

Same ‘boots,’ different feet

You’ve heard us talk often about our ‘boots on the ground’ guiding principle and the exit strategy as an important part of our empowerment model. Bringing people up eventually has to include the transfer of responsibility, otherwise independence and the dignity that comes with it can never be achieved. After nearly a year with American… continue reading