Sierra Leone teen adapts to life in Canada
Bruce Hain, Connection Staff Writer
Aug. 16, 2002
Maria-Tu Kamara's Canadian adventure continues, thanks to the generosity of the Wilson family of the Swiss Meadows community.
Readers of The Connection the past three weeks will recall the tireless efforts of Bill Wilson, who has spent months of his time, and thousands of dollars of his own money, to remove Maria-Tu from a refugee camp in Sierra Leone, where she was one of thousands of young people who had suffered unimaginable cruelty and suffering during a period of internal violence.
Both her hands were cut off by insurgents, who also brutalized her and killed her family, leaving her almost helpless.
After reading of her plight, Wilson embarked on a campaign to bring Maria-Tu to Canada, helped in no small part by counsellor Comfort Vincent, who somehow located Maria-Tu among the refugee population.
Maria-Tu and Comfort landed at Pearson International Airport on Saturday, Aug. 3 after flying out of Sierra Leone the previous day. They had a five hour layover at London's Heathrow Airport.
The two Sierra Leone women were expedited through Canada Customs into the waiting arms of Bill and Shelly Wilson.
When interviewed on Aug. 13, Comfort and Maria-Tu were ensconced in Wilson's living room, in his home on top of Blue Mountain.
English is spoken in Sierra Leone, with perhaps a hint of a patois, and Vincent answered most of the questions asked by The Connection during the following interview.
"Maria-Tu is a very naturally shy person," Vincent explained. "But with time, she'll do just fine."
During their first 10 days in Canada, Wilson has kept the women relatively busy while they adjust to their new surroundings.
"We've done some shopping in Collingwood and Owen Sound since we've arrived," Vincent said. "Bill took us to the (Wasaga) Beach and took Maria on a kayak ride. We also took an airplane ride over Blue Mountain - it was very beautiful."
While Vincent said there were some similarities in the geography of Collingwood and Sierra Leone, "both have mountains leading down to the sea", the main difference is "it's so quiet and peaceful here," she added. "And the weather is a little bit colder here."
One significant difference they have found is "there's a lot of food here" Vincent said. "Back home, there is food, but it's mainly for the rich people. When I was growing up before the war, there were sausages and hot dogs. Now, they are too expensive. Sometimes here, we get so full, and Maria is not used to having breakfast."
Another "surprise" for Vincent was the number of vehicles on the roadways. "There seems to be very little walking."
From a social standpoint, some of Wilson's neighbours have dropped by to say hello, and the two women were virtually swamped by well wishers on a recent trip into Grey County.
"When we went to Owen Sound, different people gave Maria money, and an Avon rep brought us two bags full of things," Vincent said. "And we know there will be many more clothes coming."
When asked how she felt about finally being in Canada, Maria-Tu shyly responded, "I feel fine and very happy."
Asked about her host, she replied, "he's a real nice person."
And about becoming a media celebrity since her arrival, Maria-Tu said, "it's fun."
Vincent added "she knows it's a way of helping her, so she doesn't mind."
Wilson stated the trust fund set up to help Maria-Tu has approximately $1,200 deposited to date - only a small portion of what is required.
Any financial help is welcome and may be made at branches of TD Canada Trust, payable to account number 5200327 to the Georgian Bay Friends of Africa at the Collingwood branch.
