Tonny and Claudia’s Story

For Tonny and Claudia, a charged phone is the first priority ahead of a busy day volunteering. Tonny lists his morning tasks, giving us an idea of what his daily to-do list looks like. “First I travel to the project location, meet the project lead, and prepare to start monitoring a project. I speak to …

Prudence’s Story

Leading the fight against gender-based violence in Uganda. Since the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, cases of gender-based violence have increased exponentially. Movement restrictions and the lockdown have further restricted young women and girls from seeking support. Young leaders all over the world, concerned by the rising cases of violence in families have stepped up …

Haroun’s Story

“Growing up was not easy. I wanted to be independent, make a decent income and support my family.”  Haroun is a 23 year old business owner from Moshi, Tanzania.  He was brought up by his aunt, as his mother passed away when he was very young. Life was not easy growing up, and he sometimes …

Finnah’s Story 

In Finnah’s community, teenage pregnancy and early marriage are problems facing many girls. “I grew up in Badala/Iyisia village in Sierra Leone. There are limited opportunities here for young people to make the best out of their lives. We are a loving family even though none of the children were fortunate enough to go to …

Sitta’s Story

“People who receive an education are exposed to a wide range of opportunities. Now I provide for my needs and have my own business as a hairdresser.”  Education can be life changing, helping girls shape their own future, on their terms.  But in countries such as Sierra Leone, where 17 year old Sitta lives, systemic …

Kumba’s Story

“Getting an education is important because it opens new doors for you.” Young people around the world tell us that making a living is one of the biggest challenges they face.  But how we make a living is hugely determined by our education. Kumba is 17 years old. She was born in Guinea, but at …

Isatu’s Story

“It is important to learn as it helps to change your behaviour to help yourself and those around you and your community.” Education has the power to give girls the freedom to build their own futures.  Isatu has always been fully aware of this. She lives in the Rokulan community, in the Bombali District of …

Princess’ Story

Young people look up to me as a role model because of the training I received from Restless Development. Education has the power to change the lives of women and girls, on their terms.  Princess has witnessed this first hand throughout her own journey as Restless Development’s Programme Coordinator in Sierra Leone. “My name is …

Serah from Sierra Leone

Serah’s Story

“I do not have much memory of my childhood. All I can remember is that I had a desire to be educated.” “I’m Serah Koroma and I’m 19.” Serah grew up in Diang Sokurala, a village in Sierra Leone. After spending her early years attending school, a tragedy in the family changed her life. “I …

Kadiatu’s Story

“I now do things on my terms.” The power of education can be life-changing, helping girls shape their own future. Kadiatu, a 17-year-old from Sierra Leone, knows this well. “Education and opportunities are one of the same. They make great things happen to change people’s lives.” But in many countries like Sierra Leone, too many …