Mbonda Yila: One Family
Uniting DNA-tested Mende descendants across the diaspora with our kin in Sierra Leone through shared heritage, mutual aid, and active cultural preservation.
Our Mission & Cause
Reconnecting the Diaspora
For centuries, migration and separation fragmented ancestral lineages. With advancements in genetic testing and archival records, thousands of descendants have traced their lineage back to the Mende people. We bridge the Atlantic to turn genealogical matches into living, active relationships.
Community & Continuity
"Mbonda Yila" is our call to solidarity. We work hand-in-hand with elders, youth, and communities across Sierra Leone and the diaspora to sustain oral histories, support linguistic learning, and fund sustainable grass-roots development projects.
Initiatives & Projects
Documenting our history, current work, and upcoming visions.
Heritage Documentation (2024)
Recorded oral histories and elder testimonies to preserve family lineages and traditional knowledge.
Genealogy & DNA Support Circles
Facilitating cross-Atlantic record matching and language workshops for returning families.
Homeland Return & Cultural Center
Planning a dedicated cultural exchange base in Sierra Leone for visiting diaspora members.
Member Resources
Tools, records, and guides provided by the collective.
Mende Language Guides
Vocabulary sheets, everyday phrases, and pronunciation audio files for learners.
DNA Match Registry
A member-only index to connect DNA testing kit IDs and identify shared family branches.
Travel & Repatriation Aid
Practical guides for visiting Sierra Leone, town visits, local contacts, and customs.
Join MƐNDE MBONDA
Register to connect with the network, join meetings, and access resources.
Support the Mission
Contributions are voluntary and go directly toward community development projects, language preservation tools, and maintaining archive servers.