The Sal Bundu Foundation was founded by Sierra Leone native, Sallieu Bundu.
Sierra Leone is located in West Africa and is one of the poorest countries in the world where nearly 60% of the population live below the national poverty level, with 43% of the population living in extreme poverty (less than 1.90 a day). In Sierra Leone more than 60% of the population lack adequate food 40% lack access to safe water.
Sal was born in Freetown, the second largest city in Sierra Leone where he spent his adolescent years splitting his time between his studies at Memorial High School and playing soccer. During this time in Sierra Leone there was a civil war taking place. It was during the war that his father was murdered by rebels. Soon after the loss of his father, Sal joined his mother and siblings, fleeing on foot to Guinea. Sal and his family remained in Guinea for five years until his elder brother won a US Immigration Visa in the Green Card Lottery. This lottery allowed Sal and his family to settle permanently in the United States where they lived in Twinsburg, Ohio.
It was during Sal’s formative years in Sierra Leone and Guinea that he spent his time perfecting his talents in soccer and influencing others to develop a love for the sport. As a result of his influence, and his love for helping others he gained the nickname “Teacher” which he is still referred to by many.
Sal continued perfecting himself as a soccer player. His dedication to the sport of soccer and to his athletic development afforded him the opportunity to play professionally. In 2008 he gained his first contract as a professional soccer player. Over the course of his professional soccer career he played for the United Soccer League (USL) as a Forward for Cleveland City Stars, Carolina Rail Hawks (now North Carolina Football Club), Charlotte Eagles, Charleston Battery, VSI Tampa Bay and internationally for Azerbaijan Premier League and the Sierra Leone National Team.
Sal is grateful and humbled by the opportunities he has been afforded by relocating with his family to America, but has always maintained his love for Sierra Leone. As he adjusted to American life, and the demands of playing professional soccer, he longed to be able to help the people of his native homeland. His love for his native country and the people of Sierra Leone, accompanied by his compassionate and helping spirit, that it was solidified in his heart the need for the Sal Bundu Foundation.
Sal Bundu Foundation is a 501 C 3 Tax Exempt Organization