Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

As we approach the end of 2025, we are deeply grateful for your generosity. Because of donors like you, 10,000 students received a pencil pouch filled with 10 pencils and a sharpener during the Year of the Pencil distribution on November 20th.

Among the 20 schools in Freetown that received the pencil pouches was Rural Education Community (REC) Primary School in Adonkia, where 392 students each received pencils—simple yet powerful tools that make a meaningful difference in the classroom.

The students at REC Primary School were full of excitement as they received their pencils. For many of these children, having their own pencil means being able to fully participate in lessons, complete assignments independently, and stay engaged in school.

A pencil may seem small, but for countless students, it represents the difference between falling behind and moving forward… between hesitation and confidence… between dreams delayed and dreams pursued.

As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to empowering young learners across Sierra Leone. We invite you to stay connected and continue making a meaningful impact. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for education—one pencil, one child, and one classroom at a time.

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

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women
• Photo Album- Rural Education Community (REC) Primary School

Thanks in part to your generosity, girls like Martha are receiving the education they need to build brighter, more empowered futures.

Martha is a bright and determined young girl in Sierra Leone, currently in Senior Secondary School. After the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Martha and her twin sister moved in with their aunt, who has been doing her best to care for them. Despite these challenges, Martha continues to move forward with strength, resilience, and hope.

She dreams of becoming a medical doctor, inspired by her mother’s passing and the lack of timely medical care in her community. Martha wants to ensure that others—especially those in underserved areas—have access to healthcare so no family has to experience the loss she endured.

In school, Martha excels in mathematics, drawn to its structure and problem-solving nature, skills she knows will be essential in her future medical studies. Her determination is matched by a deep desire to serve others and make a lasting difference in her country.

Because of supporters like you, Martha has been able to stay in school, remain focused on her education, and continue pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

As we approach the end of 2025, your support can still make a lasting impact. Investing in girls’ education today means empowering future leaders, caregivers, and changemakers tomorrow.

Thank you for believing in Martha—and in girls like her. Your generosity is not just changing lives; it is shaping the future.

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

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women