Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

Sixteen years ago, a young girl named Isata spent her days helping her mother sell charcoal to support their family. School was not an option. Her mother, a hardworking single parent, simply could not afford the cost of education.

In 2010, everything changed. Through the generosity of donors, Isata was enrolled in school.

At the time, Isata shared these words: "I am very grateful to GlobalGiving and Develop Africa for giving me the opportunity to go to school. My mother is a poor single parent hawking charcoal for our survival. She could not afford to send me to school. I was out of school helping her sell charcoal until I met the representative of Develop Africa, who helped enroll me into school. I promise to work hard and excel in school so that I in turn will be able to help less fortunate children like me. GlobalGiving donors, thank you very much. You have given me hope and a future."

Today, 16 years later, we are proud to share that Isata has become one of Develop Africa's success stories.

Isata recently completed her cosmetology training and graduated successfully. She now has valuable skills that can help her secure employment, earn an income, and potentially start her own business.

When Develop Africa first met Isata, she was a young girl selling charcoal instead of attending school. Today, she is a trained professional equipped with skills that can help her build an independent future.

This transformation would not have been possible without the faithful support of donors who believed in her potential long before they knew how her story would unfold.

Isata's journey is proof that when we invest in a child, we invest in a lifetime of possibilities.

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women