Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Thanks in part to your generosity, girls like Konnie are gaining hands-on skills that will open doors to opportunity and financial independence.

Konnie, a determined young Senior Secondary School Graduate from Waterloo, Sierra Leone, recently enrolled in a cake-making course at the Choice Empire Vocational Institute. This course is part of her broader dream to build a sustainable future for herself and her family.

Vocational training is more than just learning a trade—it’s about equipping young people with practical skills that lead to meaningful careers. In Konnie’s case, the course taught her how to select ingredients, mix with precision, time her baking, and creatively decorate cakes with professional flair. She not only mastered the technical aspects of cake making, but also gained confidence, pride, and a sense of purpose.

By supporting Konnie’s training, you’ve helped her turn a period of uncertainty into one filled with learning and possibility. And she’s not alone—every young woman given the chance to get their education and grow becomes a ripple of change, uplifting her family and strengthening her community.

Vocational education like this is life-changing. It breaks cycles of poverty, builds self-reliance, and fosters future leaders.

If you haven’t already, consider becoming a monthly donor to help more girls and young women like Konnie pursue their education. Your continued support creates lasting impact—one student, one dream at a time.

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

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women

As the school year wraps up, students across the globe are getting ready for important exams. In Sierra Leone, these tests are not just about grades—they’re life-changing milestones:

The National Primary School Examination (NPSE) moves students from primary to junior secondary school.

The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) promotes students from junior to senior secondary school.

The West African Senior School Certification Examination (WASSCE) is the final hurdle in high school—passing it opens the door to college and a brighter future.

Thanks to your incredible support, girls like Yealie received the study guides they needed to prepare for their exams.  Yealie is getting ready to take the BECE.  These resources give students a chance to succeed—something every child deserves.

Your generosity is helping shape future leaders, one exam at a time.

If you haven’t already, we invite you to become a recurring donor—your consistent support helps more girls stay on track all year long. And don’t forget to share this project with your friends and family to grow this circle of impact.

Questions? Reach us anytime at GlobalGiving@developafrica.org

With heartfelt thanks,

Amy and the Develop Africa Team

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women