Isha’s Story

In Kalangba, a rural community in Sierra Leone, many adolescent girls face limited opportunities after completing secondary school. Isha S. Kanu, an 18-year old girl, had completed her West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), but like many of her peers, she found herself at home with no access to further education, skills training or employment. With few prospects and no structured …

Yapo’s Story

In the quiet, remote village of Makwie an outreach community to Gbendembu in Sierra Leone 18-year-old Yapo Kanu lived in silence and shame because she had never gone to school. For Yapo, the world of education was foreign and intimidating. She often avoided conversations with her peers who were enrolled in school, feeling inadequate and …

Asha’s Story

Asha grew up in a community where a girl’s destiny was often predetermined, marriage and motherhood took precedence over education and personal ambition. She, like many others, had big dreams; she aspired to be a nurse, to heal the sick and serve her community. But fate had different plans. I believed that education was my …

Nadhifa’s Story

At just 20 years old, Nadhifa has already faced challenges that could break many but instead, they ignited her desire to bring change to her community. She once dreamed of becoming a teacher. School was her safe space, her future. But that dream ended when she was forced to drop out in Form Two due …

Ali’s Story

Ali, a 19-year-old from Bereko, Kondoa in Dodoma, was once a young man with limited opportunities. After completing primary school, he was unable to proceed with his education due to low grades. With no path forward in school, he decided to help his mother run her small restaurant, serving lunch to the community. However, Ali …

Mona’s Story

Mona (She/Her), a community member engaged with Restless Development for more than 3 years  Mona has been engaged with Restless Development under the program Delhi Learning Lab, and is now an active youth for the GCC-QUTWE (Grand Challenges Canada – Queer Affirmative Unicorns Transforming Wellbeing Ecosystem) program. Restless Development, with the support of Grand Challenges …

Trayaksh’s Story

Trayaksh (He/Him) Youth Unicorn ( Youth Leader) at GCC-QUTWE  In the heart of Panipat, where tradition often defines identity, Trayaksh, a courageous young trans individual, began his journey of self-discovery. Growing up in Haryana, he felt different from a young age. While other girls donned dresses and adorned themselves with ribbons, Trayaksh gravitated towards shirts …

Paschalina’s Story

Paschalina’s Journey to Breaking Barriers and Taking Charge of Her Life For the first time, I feel like I am in control of my own life. I understand my body, my rights, and my future. No one can make those choices for me anymore.  At just 23 years old, Paschalina Edward from Bereko Ward, Kondoa …

Rupak’s Story

Turning Waste into Opportunity: The GreenShift Journey of Rupak Ghimire In the growing city of Bharatpur, located near the rich forests of Chitwan National Park, 23-year-old Rupak Ghimire saw something others often missed. Where many saw piles of plastic and unmanaged waste, Rupak saw an opportunity to act. With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work …

Bosco's Story: A Journey to a better family

Bosco’s Story

Bosco Ouma, a father of two from Nakawa in Kampala, grew up in a home where men were only expected to provide money, while women did all the housework. “I thought my role ended when I brought food home,” Bosco said. He didn’t help his wife with chores, even when she was pregnant, and left …