Teneba’s Haven is a non-profit, non-governmental, humanitarian organization based in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The founder, David Mamoud Sawaneh, resides in Tampa, Florida U.S.A. During and after the civil war in Sierra Leone, (see “Blood Diamond”/”Cry Freetown”) Teneba’s Haven has been helping local communities with food, clothing, education and basic health care needs to less privileged people, especially women and children.
The mission of Teneba’s Haven is to assist the disadvantaged of Sierra Leone through programs that break the cycle of poverty, hunger and disease.
David M. Sawaneh, 39, was born in Sulimania, Koinadugu District in Northern Sierra Leone.
Attended primary and secondary schools in Kabala, Sierra Leone. Upon completion of high school taught grade school as an untrained teacher from 1994 to 1996.
Travelled to Ghana to attend interview to immigrate to the USA, having won the DV lottery in 1996. Visas were unavailable, thus returning to Sierra Leone to ground zero, having sold all valuable belongings.
Immigrated to the US as a refugee in March 2000, received by LIRS, headed by Danielle Kearney, then.
Worked at Embassy Suites Hotel – dish washer/breakfast cook, McDonald’s and Panera Bread:grill/sandwich line, and as ice cream vendor between 2000 and 2004.
Attended Hillsborough Community College for a year then went on to do Practical Nursing at Erwin Technical School and graduated in March 2008. Worked as an LPN since August, 2008.
Brought two of three children to the US at ages two and eight. Brought wife into the US in February 2010. Founded Teneba’s Haven in 2011. Presently working two jobs to ensure activities at Teneba’s Haven are ongoing with the help of COR (Christ Our Redeemer) and board members.
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Marilyn Essert |
Faith Dunne Secretary |
David Sawaneh Founder |
Rev. Richard Hafer Public Relations |
Danielle Kearney Treasurer |
Felicia Thomas Board Member |
Joyce Carroll Board Member |
Marianne Hafer Board Member |
Emma Harvey Board Member |
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(from left to right)
Ret Col. P. M. Duwai – National Coordinator
Haja Manteneh Marah – Treasurer David Sawaneh – Founder Pastor Manso Tarawallie – Public Relations Musa Beretay – administrative asst/secretary (lawyer) (not pictured) – Lansana Sawaneh – support staff Daniel K Tarawallie – support staff Mohamed K Manga – support staff |
