Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

October 17th is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and we believe that education—especially girls’ education—is one of the most powerful tools to end poverty and transform communities for generations to come.

In Sierra Leone, countless girls face barriers such as poverty, early marriage, and lack of access to learning materials. Yet, when a girl is given the opportunity to go to school, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Education provides her with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape her own future—and uplift her entire community in the process.

Here’s how education changes lives:

1. Education opens doors to better jobs.
   When girls learn to read, write, and gain practical skills, they can access better-paying and more stable jobs. A young woman trained as a nurse, teacher, or entrepreneur can lift her entire household out of poverty.

2. Education empowers informed decisions.
   Educated girls are better equipped to make wise choices about their health, finances, and families. They become more independent and confident in managing their futures.

3. Education promotes equality.
   Every year a girl stays in school increases her future earnings by up to 20%. Educated girls marry later, have fewer and healthier children, and are more likely to ensure their own children go to school—breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty.

4. Education strengthens communities and economies.
   When girls are educated, they become innovators, leaders, and active contributors to economic growth—helping build stronger, more resilient societies.

5. Education builds confidence and hope.
   Beyond academics, school helps girls dream bigger, think critically, and believe in their ability to make a difference.

Your continued support is helping us make this vision a reality for hundreds of girls across Sierra Leone. Through your generosity, girls are receiving school supplies, tuition support, and mentorship—empowering them to stay in school and pursue their dreams.

Together, we are not just educating girls; we are building stronger families, communities, and a brighter future for all.  Your support is helping girls in Sierra Leone rise above poverty—one classroom, one book, and 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 we celebrate the International Day of the Girl (October 11), we are reminded that girls’ education matters—and that with the right support, girls can rise, lead, and transform their futures.

One shining example of this empowerment is Sia, one of our top-performing secondary school students in Sierra Leone. Sia joined Develop Africa when she was in Junior Secondary School (JSS 1). With consistent encouragement and steady support from generous donors like you, she has continued to excel academically.

Sia recently achieved an outstanding overall score of 98%, earning first position in her SSS 2 class, and previously scored an excellent aggregate of 12 in her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Her dedication and achievement reflect the confidence, discipline, and determination that come from being supported and believed in.

Through your generosity, girls like Sia are not only staying in school but also thriving. Every book, tuition payment, and mentoring session helps them unlock their potential and build the foundation for a brighter, more equal future.

At Develop Africa, we believe that when you educate a girl, you empower a nation. Your continued support is shaping strong, confident young women who are ready to lead their communities and inspire others.

Together, we are ensuring that every girl has the chance to learn, dream, and achieve greatness.  Thank you for standing with Sia—and with all the girls in Sierra Leone who are working hard to build better futures.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Amy & The Develop Africa Team
globalgiving@developafrica.org

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women
• Video-Empowering Girls with Education