Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

On the eve of the International Day of Education, celebrated on January 24th, we look at the transformative power of education and the hope it brings to girls like Samuella and Joy. For these bright and ambitious girls, education is not just about learning—it’s about shaping their futures and building a foundation for a better world.

In this video, Samuella & Joy are asked "Why is education important to you?"  

Their words remind us why investing in girls' education is essential to creating a brighter and more equitable future.

Samuella says, "Education is important to me because it helps me to learn and really learn I have something to do in the future. Whatever job you want to take you can take it because you have learned."

Joy says, "Education is important to me because it inspires my life and in anything we do, we should be educated. So we as girls should be educated in this society, we are the future leaders of tomorrow."

Girls' education is the cornerstone of progress—it breaks cycles of poverty, empowers communities, and creates opportunities for future generations. 

Thanks in part to your support, Samuella, Joy, and countless others, are getting their education and becoming the leaders our world needs. As Joy so beautifully puts it, “We are the future leaders of tomorrow.”  Together, we can help these girls and many more build a brighter future for themselves and for all of us.

Warm regards,

Amy & the Develop Africa Team

GlobalGiving@developafrica.org

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women
• Video: Samuella & Joy Tell us Why Education is Important

Recently, 35 girls participated in a mentoring session on the critical topic of Handling Peer Pressure and Social Media Influence. This session provided a safe and supportive space for the girls to openly discuss their experiences and learn effective strategies to manage the challenges associated with peer dynamics and social media exposure.

Key Takeaways from the Session:

Using Social Media Responsibly – The discussion emphasized mental health awareness, helping the girls recognize the potential negative effects of excessive social media use. They explored ways to set boundaries, engage in healthy online interactions, and avoid falling into harmful digital habits.

Building a Positive Self-Image – Social media often creates unrealistic standards that can lead to self-doubt and unhealthy comparisons. The girls were encouraged to embrace their individuality, focus on their strengths, and practice self-acceptance rather than measuring themselves against curated online personas.

Resisting Negative Peer Pressure – The session highlighted the importance of making confident, value-based decisions and standing firm against influences that do not align with their personal goals. The girls engaged in interactive discussions on how to politely but firmly say no and support one another in making positive choices.

The girls participated in role-playing exercises and group discussions to reinforce their learning. They practiced real-life scenarios to apply the strategies they had learned, strengthening their ability to navigate social situations with confidence.

At the end of the session, the girls were divided into four groups to present their insights on the overall topic. Each group addressed a different aspect of peer pressure and social media influence, sharing practical strategies for responsible social media use, self-confidence building, and resisting negative influences. These presentations allowed the girls to express their thoughts, collaborate with their peers, and enhance their communication skills. It was truly inspiring to see them engage actively, support one another, and showcase their growth and awareness.

Your continued support for girls’ education and empowerment is creating opportunities for young girls to develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. By investing in their growth, you are equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices, pursue their dreams, and contribute positively to their communities.

Every contribution, whether through monthly donations or one-time gifts, makes a meaningful difference in girls' lives. 

 

With deep appreciation,

Amy and the Develop Africa Team
GlobalGiving@developafrica.org

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women