Streamstown nun's work to feature on RTE One Nationwide programme tonight

A Streamstown nun who has worked in Sierra Leone for 70 years will be the focus of the popular RTE One Nationwide programme tonight.

Sister Teresa McKeon was the recent recipient of a Presidential Distinguished Service Award from President Michael D Higgins for her work in education and the development of women in the West Africa country.

Sr Teresa (95) has ministered in Sierra Leone since 1954 serving as teacher, school principal, provincial leader of her congregation in West Africa, and in development work with rural women in Dambala near the city of Bo.

When the civil war started in 1994 she and her congregation had to flee the country and move to neighbouring Guinea where, until 2001, she worked with Sierra Leonean refugee women, children under five years, and young girls in five refugee camps.

Following the war, Sr Teresa returned to Sierra Leone and continued to work in all levels of education.

She also established and taught adult education courses in the areas of business, financial management, nutrition, catering and tailoring, her dedicated work ensuring women and men availed of opportunities in a challenging economic environment.

The award ceremony hosted in Áras an Uachtaráin was attended by Sr Angela Bangura on behalf of Sr Teresa who was unable to travel for the presentation.

Sr Angela returned the award to Freetown and on St Brigid’s Day a special ceremony was hosted by Irish Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick where, surrounded by children, former pupils, friends and fellow Cluny sisters, Sr Teresa was honoured.

Sr Teresa was previously recognised for her work in 2017 when she received the Order of the Rokel from the President of Sierra Leone for her "dedicated and meritorious service to the state in the fields of education and the development of women".

Sr Teresa's story will feature on Nationwide tonight at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.