Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

In the heart of Sierra Leone, a story of resilience and compassion unfolds at the Develop Africa Sierra Leone Office.  At the center of it all stands Theresa, whose journey from beneficiary to benefactor exemplifies the transformative power of support and education. 

Theresa learned about Develop Africa in 2015 when she became pregnant during the Ebola Outbreak.  Girls who were visibly pregnant were not allowed to go back to school.  To help with this, Develop Africa opened the Creating Pathways Centre, which was set up to help girls like Theresa.

Theresa started attending Creating Pathways Centre and, from there, completed her high school education and took computer classes.  She could also attend college and graduate in 2021, thanks to donor support. She started an internship shortly after graduation at the Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) Office and was officially hired in 2022.

Now, as the Develop Africa Sierra Leone Program Coordinator, she dedicates her efforts to helping others achieve their dreams, fueled by the organization's profound impact on her own life.  In her role, she oversees the DASL operations, creating programs that can truly change the lives of beneficiaries. 

Having personally experienced the transformative power of education, Theresa cherishes the rewarding impact of her role and the charity's endeavors. Her heart swells with emotion when witnessing beneficiaries receive support. Still, there is one individual she holds dear—a once-struggling student who, thanks to the intervention, has now excelled after learning a valuable trade.

These success stories fuel Theresa's dedication and inspire her to seek further funding for the Develop Africa program. She envisions a future with more centers and expanded opportunities, ultimately reaching and uplifting countless more beneficiaries, especially if there’s more local funding to complement what is received internationally.

Theresa's remarkable journey from beneficiary to benefactor embodies the essence of hope, resilience, and the profound impact of support. Her story is a shining example of how one person's life can be transformed, sparking a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities. 

We are so thankful to be a part of her story and share her passion for providing education and needed resources to more young ladies in Sierra Leone.   Our recurring donors are making a continuous impact, and we are truly grateful for the ongoing support. If you are not yet a recurring donor, we invite you to consider setting up a recurring donation. Even a few dollars a month will go a long way.

Please also share this with your contacts and invite them to consider supporting this ongoing project. 

If you have any questions, please email us at GlobalGiving@developafrica.org.

 

With great appreciation, 

Amy and the Develop Africa team

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women