Reports on Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Project Report | Feb 27, 2026
Impact Story 2: Confidence, Skills, and Character in Action

By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader

Part two of our impact stories highlights more voices from Develop Africa beneficiaries—students who are not only gaining an education but also building confidence, communication skills, and character.

Kotarah, a college student and beneficiary, shares how mentoring sessions transformed her personal growth. Once shy and uncomfortable speaking in front of even a few people, she now speaks boldly and confidently in public. Through mentoring, she has strengthened her English speaking and writing skills and improved her time management—balancing academic work with other responsibilities. She credits Develop Africa for helping her grow into a more confident and capable young woman.

Mary Ruth, currently in her final year of secondary school, also reflects on the benefits of being part of Develop Africa. Beyond tuition and school supplies, she emphasizes the life skills she has gained—learning about personal hygiene, character development, robotics, and practical skills like makeup artistry. She recognizes that these opportunities are not common for many young people in her community, and she is deeply grateful.

These stories remind us that education is more than financial support. It is skill-building. It is confidence.

Because of you, these girls are not only attending school—they are developing the tools, mindset, and character needed to shape their futures.

These stories are made possible because of donors like YOU!

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

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Feb 23, 2026
Impact story: Beyond Sponsorship: 10 Years of Growth, Mentorship, and Opportunity

By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader

Martha & Mattia

Mattia, a civil engineering student and 10-year beneficiary, reflects on what being part of Develop Africa has meant to him. Through consistent sponsorship—from primary school through university—he was able to pursue the education he once only dreamed about. Tuition fees were covered, school needs were met, and his academic journey remained uninterrupted.

But the support went beyond finances.

Through mentoring sessions, debates, and public speaking exercises, Mattia developed communication skills and confidence he never had before. He shares that before joining mentoring sessions, he struggled to speak publicly. Today, he participates confidently and continues to grow as a leader.

Develop Africa also provides vocational training opportunities, including computer training, tailoring, and other practical skills programs. These initiatives equip young people not only for academic success, but for sustainable livelihoods.

Martha, now a college graduate, also credits Develop Africa’s sponsorship and vocational support for helping her complete her education and prepare for her future.

When one student gains education and skills, an entire community benefits. As Mattia shared, “Develop Africa does not only benefit me as an individual, but also our community.”

Your support makes this long-term impact possible. From primary school to university, from mentoring to vocational training, you are helping build confident, skilled young leaders who are shaping a brighter future for themselves—and for Sierra Leone.

Thank you for investing in education that transforms lives and communities. Your generosity is not just changing lives; it is shaping the future.

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

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Feb 17, 2026
From Selling Coal to Building a Career: Isata's Journey

By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader

Because of your generosity, girls like Isata are rewriting their stories.

“My name is Isata. I used to sell coal to support myself.”

Before receiving support, Isata’s days were spent working to survive. Selling coal was physically demanding and time-consuming, leaving little energy or opportunity to focus on her education. Like many girls in Sierra Leone, financial hardship put her schooling at risk.

But your support changed that trajectory.

“Develop Africa helped me stay in school and finish high school.”

Through tuition assistance, school supplies, and encouragement, Isata was able to remain in school and complete her secondary education—an achievement that dramatically increases a girl’s lifetime opportunities. Instead of dropping out, she graduated.

And she didn’t stop there.

“I am now training in catering and cosmetology.”

Today, Isata is gaining practical, income-generating skills that will allow her to build a sustainable livelihood. Through vocational training, she is developing confidence, independence, and a clear path forward. She is not only learning a trade—she is building a future filled with possibility.

“This support changed my life and gave me new skills and new goals. Thank you for helping young people like me grow and move forward.”

Isata’s journey reflects the heart of girls’ education. When a girl stays in school, she gains more than knowledge. She gains confidence. She gains choices. She gains the power to shape her own life.

Your investment in girls’ education helps break cycles of poverty and creates ripple effects that extend to families and entire communities. Educated, skilled young women contribute to stronger economies, healthier households, and brighter futures for the next generation.

Thank you for believing in girls like Isata. Because of you, she is no longer defined by survival—but by opportunity.

Together, we are empowering girls to learn, lead, and thrive.

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

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Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Project Report | Feb 27, 2026
Impact Story 2: Confidence, Skills, and Character in Action

Feb 23, 2026
Impact story: Beyond Sponsorship: 10 Years of Growth, Mentorship, and Opportunity

Feb 17, 2026
From Selling Coal to Building a Career: Isata's Journey

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Organization Information

Develop Africa, Inc.

Help raise money!

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Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Project Report | Feb 27, 2026 Impact Story 2: Confidence, Skills, and Character in Action

Feb 23, 2026 Impact story: Beyond Sponsorship: 10 Years of Growth, Mentorship, and Opportunity

Feb 17, 2026 From Selling Coal to Building a Career: Isata's Journey

About Project Reports

Sign up for updates

Organization Information

Develop Africa, Inc.

Help raise money!

Learn more about GlobalGiving

Project Report | Feb 27, 2026
Impact Story 2: Confidence, Skills, and Character in Action

Feb 23, 2026
Impact story: Beyond Sponsorship: 10 Years of Growth, Mentorship, and Opportunity

Feb 17, 2026
From Selling Coal to Building a Career: Isata's Journey