Sierra Leonean Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Sierra Leone lies on the coast of West Africa. Its capital, Freetown, was founded in 1792 as a home for freed enslaved Africans from Britain and North America. English is the official language, and Krio is spoken by almost everyone. Sierra Leoneans in Birmingham include students, professionals and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 92 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Sierra Leonean; and 18 residents gave Krio as their main language. Main language figures leave out the many bilingual residents who use English day to day, so the number who speak the language at home is higher still.

Working for Birmingham

Sierra Leonean residents work in healthcare, social care, education, transport and business, and many nurses and carers serve patients across the city. Sierra Leonean students study at Birmingham's universities, and professionals bring skills in law, finance and public administration.

Every community that has settled in Birmingham has helped to shape it. Newcomers have filled gaps in the workforce, opened shops and restaurants, and raised children who have gone on to become the city's doctors, teachers, engineers and entrepreneurs. The Sierra Leonean community is part of that tradition of hard work and ambition, and of the city's own motto: Forward.

Culture and community life

Sierra Leoneans are known for their religious tolerance, with Christians and Muslims often celebrating each other's festivals. Cassava leaf stew, jollof rice and groundnut soup are favourites, and Independence Day on 27 April is marked with music, dance and gatherings.

Like so many of the communities that make up modern Birmingham, the Sierra Leonean community shows how a city can be home to many cultures at once. Its members are proud of where they come from, and just as proud to be Brummies.