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 …
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 …
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 …
This edition of our newsletter spotlights the milestones from October to December 2024. We also celebrate the inspiring youth-led innovations at the Impact Expo, where changemakers took center stage. Plus, we dive into key discussions from the launch of the 2024 State of the Youth Report, emphasizing the urgent call for greater youth inclusion in …
Young girls like Elizabeth are breaking barriers through education and setting an example to inspire others. Limited access to education for girls in rural Sierra Leone poses a significant challenge. Discriminatory practices often rooted in cultural norms and economic disparities hinder girls from receiving the life-changing education they deserve. Elizabeth is a 12-year-old young girl …
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 …
“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 …
“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 …
