Sierra Leone Policy Watch, SLPW, Sierra Leone diaspora Sierra Leone Policy Watch (SLPW) Who we are SLPW- Strategic Plan For two decades, \Sierra Leone has been listed by the United Nations as one of the ten poorest nations on earth. The country is largely dependent upon foreign assistance. Its infrastructure was devastated during the civil war of the 1990s, and its basic physical and social systems are in disrepair. The population demographic shows an imbalance, with the majority of people under the age of 25, and a significant number of educated, middle aged citizens and their families residing outside of the country’s borders. The level of literacy, defined as a 16-year old being able to read and write at a Form 1 Level (Eight Grade Level) or better, has not been determined accurately, but is estimated to about 30%. Maternal mortality rates and infant mortality rates, while improved, are still among the world’s highest. Global Diaspora Forum About the Secretary’s Global Diaspora Forum: The Global Diaspora Forum is an annual celebration of America’s diaspora communities. The gathering challenges diaspora communities to create new partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and public institutions in order to make their engagements with their countries of origin or ancestry effective, scalable, and sustainable. The Global Diaspora Forum brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, all passionate about promoting diaspora engagement.