Kadiatu Bakarr, is a 19-year-old girl from Gbangbatoke Junction in Moyamba District, whose desire for education was unquenched despite the numerous challenges she faced in her early teen years. In 2021, at the age of 16 and in school, she became pregnant. Her family, deeply disappointed, rejected her, and she was forced to drop out of school.
After giving birth, Kadiatu expressed a strong desire to return to school. Unfortunately, her parents refused to support her decision. Determined to care for herself and her child, she began selling beans and bread as a means of livelihood.
Gbangbatoke Junction is one of nine communities where the Power Up project is being implemented. The town, located in a mining area, is marked by various socio-economic and cultural challenges. These include teenage pregnancy, early marriage, sexual and domestic abuse, and school dropout.
Restoring Individual Hope through safe space engagement.
Kadiatu was identified and mapped to be enrolled in the Power Up project’s safe space program in Gbangbatoke Junction by the end of 2023. Her determination to make a change led her to enroll in the safe space program, where she received basic Literacy and Numeracy training, as well as essential life skills.
Kadiatu actively participated in all safe space sessions and activities and made meaningful contributions during listening sessions with adolescent girls. Because of the training she got from the safe space. Kadiatu finally made up her mind to return to school.
The Journey Back to School
The project team took it upon themselves to reach out to Kadiatu’s Father, Mr. Bundu Bakarr, and highlight the significant improvements in Kadiatu’s life. Thanks to their efforts, Mr. Bakarr agreed to allow Kadiatu to return to school.
I am happy to finally be in school again. As a mother, I know going to school will empower me to take care of myself and give my child a good future
Kadiatu is currently enrolled in SSS 2 at the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Secondary School, Gbangbatoke Junction. Her academic performance and punctuality are exemplary, and they are a direct result of our continued engagement with her.
By regularly tracking her progress, offering personalized support, and ensuring she has the resources she needs, the project team is committed to helping Kadiatu realize her full potential and ensure that her story has a meaningful and lasting positive impact
