Southern California United Brothers and Sisters of Sierra Leone
(SoCal UBSSL)
Goodwill Awards
The SoCal UBSSL recognizes and celebrates individuals, organizations, and corporations for their charitable acts in response to the humanitarian needs of Sierra Leoneans.
The primary purpose of the SoCal UBSSL Awards is to inspire the community to participate in the efforts of helping the poor in Sierra Leone by delivering a message of hope that will lift spirits and touch hearts. Through live footage, the Awards showcase the challenges and accomplishments of individuals, humanitarian organizations, and related groups whose commitment has significantly uplifted and given hope to many underprivileged in Sierra Leone. The Awards also celebrate individual career achievements and community service. The emphasis is to unite communities and businesses to continue their commitment to helping people in need.
2025 Sierra Leonean Jewel Award
Rev. Betty King
Pastor Betty King is a distinguished graduate of the Annie Walsh Memorial School and Fourah Bay College, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English with a Diploma in Education, and later a Master's degree in Education and Child Development. With a deep passion for learning and a heart dedicated to service, Betty has made a lasting impact in the field of education.
She began her professional journey in education and has served with distinction as a teacher, lecturer at a teacher's college, and later as a principal in Sierra Leone, bringing vision and compassion to every classroom she led. Her commitment to educational equity also enabled her to excel in the role of Resource Specialist, where she focused on supporting disadvantaged children and ensuring they had the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive.
Betty King's journey is a testament to the power of education, leadership, and advocacy for those who need it most. She has always been a soldier of Christ. Having always been drawn to the Word, Mrs. King pursued her spiritual calling by taking divinity classes at Freetown Bible College in Sierra Leone. Her passion for theology and ministry led her to further her studies at the Claremont School of Theology, where she received a degree in Theology.
It wasn't long before her dedication was recognized, and she was appointed as a pastor at the United Methodist Church of Cucamonga. Currently retired, Pastor King has been called out of retirement to serve another church in her district.
For her remarkable blend of educational leadership and spiritual devotion—a true example of service in both heart and mind, Rev. Betty King is awarded the SoCal UBSSL "2025 Sierra Leonean Jewel Award."
2025 Arnold Blanshard Community Leadership Award Recipient
Mr. Abdul Sesay
Abdul Sesay, commonly known as Dodos, is a well-known figure in the world of Soccer from Sierra Leone. He made a significant impact as a player of the national team, the Leone Stars. Renowned for his exceptional skills in the field, Sesay spent several years representing his country, demonstrating his passion for Soccer and his commitment to excellence. Following his playing career, Abdul transitioned into coaching, where he utilized his extensive knowledge of the game to mentor young athletes. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not only technical skills but also the psychological aspects of sports, which he elaborates on in his bestselling book, "Soccer Made Simple: The Role of Psychology in Sports." This work has resonated with many, providing insights into how mental fortitude and psychological strategies can elevate performance in Soccer and beyond.
In addition to his contributions to sports, Abdul is deeply committed to social causes. He is the founder and President of the non-profit organization Give Back to the Children Project. Through this initiative, he aims to uplift and empower children in Sierra Leone, addressing the educational and social challenges faced by the youth in his community. Currently, Abdul is working on an ambitious project to build a school for children in Sierra Leone. This endeavor reflects his conviction in the transformative power of education and his aspiration to provide a promising future for the next generation. His efforts serve as a testament to his dedication to giving back and making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Abdul Sesay continues to inspire many through his work in sports, literature, and philanthropy. He embodies the spirit of resilience and hopes for a better tomorrow. For his lifelong devotion to community service and giving back to uplift and empower the youth, Mr. Abdul Sesay is awarded the SoCal UBSSL "2025 Goodwill Ambassador Award."
Award Nominations
Candidates can be considered for multiple award categories listed below. If you have received an invitation letter to apply, it means that the nomination committee has identified you as a prospective candidate. Please provide us with the following information regarding your past and present humanitarian assistance to Sierra Leoneans. assistance to Sierra Leoneans.
2025 Thy Brothers’ Keeper Award Recipient
Mrs. Victoria Winifred Hanciles
Victoria Winifred Hanciles, a proud mother of two and devoted wife, is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 25 years of business experience. Her qualifications include a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in health, a testament to her deep commitment to understanding and supporting the well-being of others.
Victoria is an active and dedicated member of the Sierra Leone community; she tirelessly works to uplift and unite her fellow compatriots. Mrs. Hanciles, as one of the founding members of the Krio Descendant Union in the diaspora, has been a source of inspiration and motivation, contributing her time, effort, and resources to help establish and strengthen the organization and the Krio culture. Her passion for community service and unwavering support for Sierra Leoneans abroad exemplify the spirit of unity and compassion.
As the recipient of the prestigious “Thy Brother’s Keeper” award, I, Victoria Hanciles, am honored to be recognized for my commitment to community empowerment, leadership, and service. This award reflects my enduring dedication to the values of kindness, generosity, and solidarity that are central to the Sierra Leonean ethos.” Mrs. Hanciles explained that she learned that she would be receiving this award.
For her lifelong devotion to community service and empowerment, Mrs. Victoria Winifred Hanciles is awarded the SoCal UBSSL “2025 Thy Brothers’ Keeper Award.”
2025 Goodwill Ambassador Award Recipient
The Prince of Wales Alumni Association, California Chapter
The California chapter of the Prince of Wales Alumni Association is one of several branches of the Prince of Wales Old Boys Association based in several states of the United States of America, as well as in the United Kingdom, Australia, and, of course, in Freetown. It is a nonprofit organization established in the state of California in 2008.
Since its inception, the association has benefitted immensely from the generous donations of well-wishers both in California and elsewhere, for which they are extremely grateful. This chapter organizes various fundraising activities, such as picnics and dinners, to support their current projects and initiatives.
One of their signature initiatives is their annual scholarship program, which offers scholarships to deserving students currently enrolled at the school. To date, hundreds of students have benefitted from this program. These scholarships enable talented students to pursue their education and contribute to the development of their communities and the world at large. The association also presents cash awards to Sierra Leonean and non-Sierra Leonean students living in our community who graduate from high schools, colleges, and universities each year.
Currently, the association is working towards the establishment of a STEAM program at the school (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to bolster its science program, for which it has gained worldwide recognition.
For its commitment to education, community service, and giving back, The Prince of Wales Alumni Association, California Chapter, is awarded the SoCal UBSSL is awarded the SoCal UBSSL "2025 Goodwill Ambassador Award."
Selection Process and Award Categories
Selection Process and Award Categories
SoCal UBSSL Goodwill Award recipients are selected from a pool of nominated candidates. The selection is based on a combination of factors and covers a wide range of areas of accomplishments and contributions to humanity. The award categories are as follows:
- Budget for the programs involved in Sierra Leone
- Number of people sponsored for trips to Sierra Leone
- List of your projects and contacts in Sierra Leone for verification, if available
- Brief summary of progress made
- Type of work you and/or your association are involved in: such as school renovations, roads, water, farming, medical equipment, book donations, computers, cash, family adoption, home construction, medicines, bicycle etc.
Arnold Blanshard
Community Leadership Award:
This award is bestowed on an individual with an inspirational career accomplishment and lifelong devotion to Sierra Leonean
community service.
Sierra Leonean Jewel Award:
This award is bestowed on an individual with an exemplary career accomplishment and a demonstrated inspiration for others to follow _ a source of joy and pride to the community and country of Sierra Leone.
The Goodwill Ambassador Award:
This award is bestowed on individuals, organizations or corporations with a remarkable commitment to the plight and progress of the poorest of the poor in Sierra Leone. Screening of candidates is based on their humanitarian effort
and commitment.
Thy Brothers’ Keeper Award:
This award is bestowed on an individual’s contribution, representation and work or sacrifices for the advancement of Sierra Leone at large.
Awards will be presented to the successful nominees in all four award categories at our Annual Dinner and Dance Fundraiser to celebrate Sierra Leone’s Independence Anniversary on the 3rd Saturday in April. Award recipients will be featured on the SoCal UBSSL website and various SoCal UBSSL publications.
If you or your organization would like to nominate an individual or major donor who has provided exceptional service or demonstrated an exceptional commitment to helping Sierra Leoneans in need (such as a philanthropist, minister, school teacher, doctor, mechanic, and so on.), please email us at info@socalubssl.org or contact the executive team or members of SoCal UBSSL.
Support Our Programs by Making a Donation
Your generosity will assist SoCal UBSSL in California in providing scholarships, building schools, increasing clean water supply, adopting orphans, and providing medical care for many Sierra Leoneans.
On behalf of the SoCal UBSSL board, members, volunteers, and most importantly, the people of Sierra Leone, we extend our deepest gratitude to you for your ongoing support and your belief in our mission.
All contributions are tax-deductible. SoCal UBSSL is recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
At So-Cal UBSSL, we are fully committed to protecting your privacy and providing a secure donation experience by using Zelle: Southern California United Brothers and Sisters of Sierra Leone
(951) 376 7300.
It is a fast, secure, and convenient way of making your donation.
2024 Sierra Leonean Jewel Award
Mr. Abdul Kassim
Mr. Abdul Kassim, B.Sc., M.Sc., MA, President of Southern California United Brothers and Sisters of Sierra Leone (SoCal UBSSL), was born in Fourah Bay, Freetown, Sierra Leone. He attended the West African Methodist Collegiate Secondary School. After graduating from secondary school, he attended N'jala University in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he graduated with a B.Sc. Degree. In Sierra Leone, Mr. Kassim taught chemistry in High School, agriculture at the Freetown Teachers College, and Entomology at N'jala Certificate College.
He then moved abroad to the United Kingdom to further his education, where he enrolled at the University of Wales -Britain and graduated with an M.Sc. Degree. Mr. Kassim worked as an entomologist and a researcher for the United Nations in the South Pacific. He then moved to the United States, attended California State University, and received a second master’s degree in educational administration. And taught high school chemistry in California.
Mr. Abdul Kassim is a respected and active leader in the Sierra Leonean community in Southern California. Former President of our SoCal UBSSL for 12 years. He led the transformation of SoCal UBSSL from a social club to a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in California that renders financial assistance to underprivileged students in Southern California and Sierra Leone. A leader in the Muslim Jamat. He is married to his lovely wife, Mrs. Millicent Kassim, with four children.
We are grateful for his many years of Exceptional leadership and appreciate your exemplary contributions to SoCal UBSSL. His unwavering and devoted service has been the cornerstone of the organization’s success. This award is a testament to his enduring commitment and dedicated service to the community. We deeply honor his unwavering dedication and long years of loyal service to Southern California United Brothers and Sisters of Sierra Leone. Mr. Abdul Kassim has inspired us, and he is a source of pride to the community and country of Sierra Leone. He well deserved the SoCal UBSSL “Sierra Leonean Jewel Award.”
2024 Arnold Blanshard Community Leadership Award
Mr. Arnold Jenner Felix Blanshard
Mr. Arnold Jenner Felix Blanshard, a man of unwavering dedication and compassion, was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He attended St. John's Primary School and the Prince of Wales Secondary School. He embarked on a journey to the United States and enrolled at El Camino Junior College, where he studied accounting. He later transferred to California State University-Dominguez Hills, earning his BSc Hons and MBA degrees. These academic accomplishments laid the foundation for a successful career in accounting and finance.
As a distinguished professional, Arnold held various leadership positions, including Auditor at the Texas State Comptroller's office, Director of Internal Auditing at the Los Angeles Community College District, and Vice President of Administrative Services at Los Angeles Southwest College. He also founded Janold Accounting Services, which he planned to expand internationally. His entrepreneurial spirit and financial expertise made him a respected figure in his field.
Mr. Arnold's Christian faith played a significant role in his life, guiding his actions and decisions. He served in various leadership positions, including President of the Buxton Youth Fellowship, President of the Prince of Wales Alumni Association California, President of the African Christian Fellowship at St. James, and Senior Warden of St. James in the City Episcopal/Anglican Church. Co-founded a gospel group called The Fowell Brothers.
Throughout his life, Arnold demonstrated a deep appreciation for the significance of family, friends, and community. He worked tirelessly to support various organizations, including the Southern California United Brothers and Sisters of Sierra Leone (SoCal UBSSL). He introduced the American Auction, which raised thousands of dollars for various causes. He lived a life guided by principles of compassion and empathy, reaching out to those in need with open arms and an open heart.
Arnold's legacy is a testament to his unwavering spirit of service and leadership. His life was a shining example of dedication, hard work, and service to others. His memory will continue to inspire and motivate future generations to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on the world around them. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Mr. D’Lorna Jarata Blanshard, and father to two children who brought him immense joy. For his lifelong devotion to Sierra Leonean community service, this award is named after him. “The Arnold Blanshard Community Leadership Award.”