Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Thanks in part to your incredible support, we are thrilled to share a joyful milestone:  all 100,000 pencils have been successfully distributed to 20 schools across the Freetown municipality as part of Develop Africa’s Year of the Pencil initiative.

This achievement represents more than school supplies — it represents possibility, dignity, and the belief that every child deserves the tools to learn and thrive.

The campaign officially launched on November 20th at Regent Square School, in collaboration with the GEED Foundation and the Freetown City Council. The event marked a powerful step forward in our shared commitment to strengthening education for children in Sierra Leone.

Over 400 pupils at Regent Square School received 10 pencils and a sharpener each, ensuring they have what they need to fully participate in their learning. In total, 10,000 schoolchildren will benefit from this distribution across Freetown.

We were honored to be joined by Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, who delivered inspiring remarks. She applauded the initiative and emphasized how timely and impactful the pencil distribution is in supporting the educational growth of the city’s children.

For many students in Sierra Leone, having their own pencil is not guaranteed. A simple tool can determine whether a child completes classwork, participates confidently, or excels academically.

Today, because of you, thousands of children now have the basic learning tools they need to succeed.

As we continue our commitment to empowering young learners, we invite you to stay connected and keep making a difference. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for education throughout Sierra Leone.

Thank you for your kindness, your belief in these children, and your partnership in creating brighter futures.

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

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women

Every pencil tells a story — especially for a girl determined to learn.

As World Children’s Day 2025 approaches, our teams in Tennessee and Sierra Leone are working together to prepare the 100,000 pencils and 10,000 sharpeners to be distributed to students across 20 schools in Sierra Leone. These simple tools will soon be in the hands of students who are eager to learn, lead, and write their own futures.

From staff in the U.S. carefully sealing boxes, to our dedicated staff and volunteers in Sierra Leone sorting supplies and planning school distributions, this effort represents the power of community and shared purpose. And none of it would be possible without donors like YOU.

Watch behind the scenes

A pencil is more than a learning material —
it is confidence,
it is opportunity,
it is a step toward equality.

As Sylvester Renner, President of Develop Africa, reminds us, “It’s not just about pencils. It’s about purpose.”

Together, we are placing the tools of learning directly into the hands of girls who need them most — ensuring they stay in school, thrive academically, and continue building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Thank you for standing with these girls and fueling their dreams. 

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

Save the date: Dec. 2–3! From midnight Dec. 2 through noon Dec. 3 (EST), donations up to $2,500 to our project will share in GlobalGiving's $500,000 GivingTuesday match. Join us to maximize your impact!

Links:

• Video-Behind the Scenes
• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women
• Year of the Pencil Webpage