Page 1: The Life of Yabom Koroma

Introduction to Yabom

• Yabom Koroma, a 38-year-old widow living in Freetown's Foulah Town.

• Context of her existence: widowhood and loss.

Background

• Description of her neighborhood's historical significance: named after Fula-speaking refugees from the 19th century.

• Yabom's emotional state after losing numerous relatives to Ebola.

• Contrast between her situation and the bustling city life around her.

Setting and Life Before Ebola

• Yabom's struggles in a tin-roofed shanty with her family.

• Economic challenges: running a clothes business while her husband dealt in lumber.

• Their living conditions reflected the poverty, including lack of basic utilities.

Page 2: Experiences of Loss

Return from the ETU

• Yabom's return home after treatment, discovering her mother had also passed away from Ebola.

• The emotional toll of the ongoing pandemic and her personal grief.

Economics of Survival

• Yabom described how their family survived before the Ebola crisis despite hardships.

• The significance of community and shared economic practices in Freetown.

Relationships with Neighbors

• Bailor Barrie acting as interpreter and an emerging supportive friendship.

• The dynamics of how Yabom's perspective on community formed through grief and survival.

Page 3: Understanding Yabom's Identity

The Impact of Grief

• Yabom’s narrative impacted by past tragedies, including brutal civil war.

• Significant familial losses shaped her perception and identity.

Yabom’s Childhood

• Background details on her upbringing in Bantoro, Port Loko District.

• Description of her parents and their struggle with poverty.

Cultural Implications

• Connection to local rituals and the life cycle that influences women's lives.

• Discussion about the Bundu society's role in girlhood and community integration.

Page 4: Yabom's Education and Early Adulthood

Education Barriers

• Discussion of limited educational opportunities due to economic constraints and societal changes.

• Experience of moving to Freetown for schooling, including the struggles of balancing work and education.

Cultural Observations

• The significance of female initiation rites and their essential role in community identity and survival.

Page 5: The Onset of War

Civil War Experiences

• Transition from peaceful life to the onset of the civil war in Sierra Leone.

• Yabom’s experiences as the war approached her village.

Relationships and Familial Dynamics

• Yabom's relationships, including her involvement with Saidu Turay and the complexities of rural life amidst war.

• Implications of war on family structures and economic stability.

Page 6: The Effects of War on Communities

The Civil War

• Experiences of attacks and loss during the civil strife in Sierra Leone, particularly the impact on Bantoro.

• Descriptions of fleeing and finding refuge with family.

The Aftermath of War

• The transition back to life after the initial civil strife, efforts to rebuild community and relationships.

• The struggle to survive and rebuild life post-war that introduced new challenges.

Page 7: Love, Family, and Rebuilding

Romantic Relationships

• Description of Yabom’s relationship with Saidu and their children amidst uncertainty and loss.

Life in Bantoro

• Rebuilding their home and life despite economic challenges and lingering violence.

Page 8: Continued Struggles

The Second Attack

• Description of continued fear and violence leading to further displacements.

Seeking Refuge

• Narration of how Yabom's family sought refuge during renewed attacks, including the economics of survival.

Page 9: Challenges of Refugees in War

Life as a Refugee

• Detailed accounts of the refugee experience: personal challenges during escape and resettlement.

Page 10: The Rise of Ebola

Yabom's Encounter with Ebola

• Introduction of Yabom’s experience with Ebola and the repercussions of previous grief.

Page 11: Survivors' Accounts

Reunion with Family

• Yabom's emotional state after realizing she had a family alive amidst the outbreak.

Loss and Grief

• Detailed account of losing Saidu and children due to Ebola and the associated grief.

Page 12: Recovery and Community Role

Overcoming Adversity

• Yabom’s dedication to community roles following recovery, including looking after orphans.

Page 13: Continuing to Help Others

Personal Growth

• Touch on how Yabom’s experiences shaped her views and actions in her community.

Page 14: Wrapping Up Yabom’s Narrative

Conclusion of Yabom's Journey

• The lasting impact of loss and the resilience shown, including her hopes for the future.