ELIZABETH’S STORY

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 …

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 …

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 …

Sangeeta using a computer.

Sangeeta’s Story

“I’m going to be a doctor and help community members.” Sangeeta is a 14-year-old student from Ganjam, India, who wants to become a doctor.  Like many girls, Sangeeta has been facing gender discrimination at home. Sangeeta’s father has made attempts to make her drop out of school to fund her brothers’ education. He also wanted …

Priyanshu’s story

Priyanshu is a young girl from Deoghar in Jharkhand, a region where child marriage is a common practice and parents begin searching for grooms for their daughters as soon as they enter adolescence.

Mary’s Story

“Education helps us to be self-reliant, which gives way for innovation and creativity to solve problems in our society.” Mary is 22 years old and lives in rural Sierra Leone. Her family are farmers.  “Growing up was difficult. I was the one who had to cater for our family even as a child. Working at …