Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

by Develop Africa, Inc.
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone
Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Project Report | Feb 17, 2026
From Selling Coal to Building a Career: Isata's Journey

By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader

Because of your generosity, girls like Isata are rewriting their stories.

“My name is Isata. I used to sell coal to support myself.”

Before receiving support, Isata’s days were spent working to survive. Selling coal was physically demanding and time-consuming, leaving little energy or opportunity to focus on her education. Like many girls in Sierra Leone, financial hardship put her schooling at risk. 

But your support changed that trajectory.

“Develop Africa helped me stay in school and finish high school.”

Through tuition assistance, school supplies, and encouragement, Isata was able to remain in school and complete her secondary education—an achievement that dramatically increases a girl’s lifetime opportunities. Instead of dropping out, she graduated.

And she didn’t stop there.

“I am now training in catering and cosmetology.”

Today, Isata is gaining practical, income-generating skills that will allow her to build a sustainable livelihood. Through vocational training, she is developing confidence, independence, and a clear path forward. She is not only learning a trade—she is building a future filled with possibility.

“This support changed my life and gave me new skills and new goals. Thank you for helping young people like me grow and move forward.”

Isata’s journey reflects the heart of girls’ education. When a girl stays in school, she gains more than knowledge. She gains confidence. She gains choices. She gains the power to shape her own life.

Your investment in girls’ education helps break cycles of poverty and creates ripple effects that extend to families and entire communities. Educated, skilled young women contribute to stronger economies, healthier households, and brighter futures for the next generation.

Thank you for believing in girls like Isata. Because of you, she is no longer defined by survival—but by opportunity.

Together, we are empowering girls to learn, lead, and thrive.

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

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Organization Information

Develop Africa, Inc.

Location: Johnson City, Tennessee - USA
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
X / Twitter: Profile
Project Leader:
Amy Baty-Herbert
Johnson City , Tennessee United States
$451,966 raised of $545,000 goal
 
7,372 donations
$93,034 to go
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