Sherbro, Southern Bullom in Sierra Leone

People Name:	Sherbro, Southern Bullom
Country:	Sierra Leone
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	232,000
World Population:	232,000
Primary Language:	Sherbro
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	8.00 %
Evangelicals:	5.70 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Atlantic
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Sherbro is a people group living only in Sierra Leone. The Sherbros are located on the Atlantic coast, between the Sierra Leone Peninsula and the Bum River estuary, primarily in the Bonhe and Moyamba districts. During pre-colonial times, Sherbros were one of the most dominant ethnic groups in Sierra Leone; currently, they comprise a small minority in the Country. Their primary language is Sherbro.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Sherbros have traditionally been fisherfolk; they have expertise in fishing, as many of them live along the coast. They also farm; their main crops include rice, cassava, sweet potatoes, and palm oil. Sherbro communities often engage in local trade, especially in fish, produce, and crafts.Sherbro households are often extended, including grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Initiation rites, often linked to secret societies, mark the transition to adulthood. They have integrated some Western culture and ideals with their traditional practices and beliefs. Christian and Islamic weddings are observed, and ceremonies are often blended with traditional customs.For recreation, the Sherbro enjoy traditional music, dances, and storytelling. They enjoy football (soccer) and traditional games. Storytelling and oral traditions are important to the Sherbro people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion practiced by the Sherbro is animism, a religious worldview that animals, plants, and even inanimate objects in the natural world possess a spiritual essence. Historically, in addition to animism, the Sherbro practiced traditional religions, including ancestor worship, secret societies (Poro, for men, and Sande/Bondo, for women). These have been important in the areas of spiritual, social, and education. The Sherbros engage in rituals and ceremonies to mark life events (birth, initiation, death) and to communicate with the spirit world.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sherbro people have multiple essential needs. These include a stable food supply, clean water, proper sanitation, and access to healthcare. Fishing and farming provide basic food, but during times of poor harvests, malnutrition, especially among children, is a possibility. Clean drinking water is very limited in many communities. The lack of clean water and proper sanitation leads to a variety of illnesses. They often use traditional medicine. Access to basic healthcare, maternity care, and emergency services are limited due to understaffing and travel distance.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among the Sherbro people in Sierra Leone, drawing them to Jesus Christ and leading them to embrace the Lord of lords.Pray for a spiritual hunger for truth that will lead them to Jesus Christ, the only one who can save them and give them life to the full.Pray for the provision of their basic needs in food, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.