Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Sia is a student at Naicom High School, where she will be entering SS3 Commercial this academic year, which begins in September. In a recent video, she proudly thanked the donors who helped provide school supplies.

“Hello, my name is Sia. I'm attending the Naicom High School. I will be in SS3 Commercial. I want to say a very big thank you to all donors for sending us school supplies for this academic year. Thank you!”

Her message is short, but it represents something much bigger.

Because of generous supporters, Sia and other students are beginning the school year with essential supplies to help them participate in class, complete their work, and stay focused on their education.

For girls like Sia, every year of education is another step toward greater opportunity and a brighter future. Providing basic school supplies may seem like a small contribution, but it removes one more barrier and reminds students that their education matters and that people believe in their potential.

Sia's thank-you is really a thank-you to you—the donors who continue to invest in girls' education in Sierra Leone.

Your support helps provide the practical tools students need, including notebooks, pens, pencils, backpacks, and other school supplies.

Thank you for helping Sia and other girls begin the new academic year prepared, encouraged, and ready to learn.

Your generosity is helping girls stay in school today and build brighter futures tomorrow.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Amy and the Develop Africa Team
GlobalGiving@developafrica.org

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women
• Video- Sia Thanking Donors

Isatu's educational journey is a powerful example of what long-term support can make possible.

Since 2017, Isatu has been receiving educational support through Develop Africa. For the past nine years, donors have been walking alongside her as she has progressed through her education—helping her continue toward a future that once may have seemed difficult to reach.

Today, Isatu is a college student studying SRN Nursing.

In a recent letter, she shared an update on her studies and described her nursing program as both interesting and rewarding. Her coursework is helping her develop the knowledge and skills she will need to care for patients professionally.

Isatu says that Anatomy and Physiology has been one of her most difficult subjects because it requires a deep understanding of the human body, along with extensive studying and memorization. She also enjoys Pharmacology, which is helping her understand medicines, including their uses and possible side effects.

Rather than allowing the difficult subjects to discourage her, Isatu is putting in extra effort. She shared that she is reading more, attending lectures regularly, and asking her lecturers for guidance whenever she needs help.

Isatu's story shows why long-term investment in education matters. Support doesn't always create an immediate, dramatic transformation. Sometimes it means walking alongside a child year after year—helping her stay in school, continue her education, overcome challenges, and eventually reach college.

In 2017, Isatu was a young student receiving educational assistance.  Today, she is a college student studying nursing and preparing for a career caring for others.

Thank you to the donors who have believed in Isatu, supported her education, and continued to invest in her potential.

Your generosity doesn't just help a student attend school. It can help a young person build an entire future.

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women