Education Sierra Leone Project #2291

Educate the Future Leaders of Sierra Leone

by Develop Africa, Inc.

Project Report | Apr 21, 2026
A pencil is a powerful tool. Without it, learning becomes difficult.

By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader

Develop Africa—together with the Geed Foundation and the Freetown City Council—successfully distributed 100,000 pencils to students across 20 schools in November 2025.

In this interview, Develop Africa Sierra Leone Program Coordinator Joseph K. explains a simple but powerful truth: something as small as a pencil can determine whether a child is able to fully participate in learning.

As highlighted in the video, many children come to school eager to learn but lack even the most basic tools. Some have notebooks but no pencil, forcing them to wait for classmates to finish writing before they can borrow one. This not only slows learning but also impacts confidence and engagement in the classroom.

Through this initiative, each child received pencils, sharpeners, and pencil cases—giving them the ability to actively participate in lessons and take ownership of their learning. As Joseph shared, “A pencil is a powerful tool. Without it, learning becomes difficult.”

The video also provides a broader look at Develop Africa’s work, showing how we support students from primary school through university, helping them stay on track and reach their full potential. This pencil distribution is one part of a larger, ongoing effort to remove barriers and expand access to education across Sierra Leone.

While this effort reached 20 schools, the need remains significant. Many more children across Sierra Leone still lack access to basic school supplies. With your continued support, we can expand this work and reach even more students.

Thank you for believing in the power of education and for helping ensure that every child has the opportunity not just to learn—but to succeed.

Together, we are helping children write more than words—we are helping them write their future.

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

Links:

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Apr 13, 2026
Empowered for Success: New Graduates Ready to Lead in a Digital World

By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader

Computer Training Graduates

Recently, 48 students successfully graduated from our Microsoft Office Computer Training Program—an important milestone that is opening doors to future academic and career opportunities.

This workforce-focused education program equips students with practical skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher. These competencies are essential not only for academic success but also for employment in today’s increasingly digital world. Through hands-on instruction, students learned how to create professional documents, manage data, develop presentations, and build technical confidence that will serve them throughout their careers.

The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for students, instructors, families, and the Develop Africa Sierra Leone team. Certificates were awarded to recognize the hard work and commitment shown by the graduates. During the event, instructors encouraged students to continue practicing their skills and to use their knowledge to pursue further education, employment, and leadership opportunities.

Your investment in education creates a ripple effect. When students gain skills, they gain confidence. When they gain confidence, they gain opportunity. And when they gain opportunity, they often become leaders who help others succeed.

Thank you for helping Develop Africa continue its mission of educating future leaders through practical education and technology training. Your generosity is helping create pathways from education to employment and from potential to leadership.

Together, we are empowering students today so they can become the leaders of tomorrow.

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

Links:

Empower Future Leaders in Sierra Leone with Education

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Apr 6, 2026
Pencils that Open Doors - Thank You for Supporting Murray Town Students

By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader

Students at Murray Town School

The Year of the Pencil initiative continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students across Sierra Leone. Together, we distributed over 100,000 pencils and 10,000 sharpeners to children in 20 schools—providing simple but powerful tools that help students fully participate in their education.

One of the schools that benefited from this effort was Murray Town Municipal Infant Primary School, where 584 students each received a pencil pouch filled with pencils and a sharpener. The excitement was immediate and heartfelt. Students proudly showed their new supplies, teachers expressed appreciation, and classrooms were energized with renewed enthusiasm for learning.

For many students, a pencil is much more than a basic school supply—it represents access to learning. It means being able to complete assignments, participate in class, and build confidence. For some children, something as small as a pencil can determine whether they are able to fully engage in their education each day.

Each pencil represents possibility. Behind every one is a child with dreams of becoming a teacher, nurse, engineer, or community leader. Your generosity is helping make those dreams feel more attainable.

As we celebrate the success of the Year of the Pencil, we are also celebrating another important milestone—Develop Africa’s 20th Anniversary. For two decades, supporters like you have helped us expand educational opportunities and create pathways to success for students.

To honor this milestone, we have set a new goal: to support 200 students in celebration of 20 years of transforming lives through education. Your continued support can help students start and continue their school year prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.

The Year of the Pencil showed what is possible when we work together. Now we invite you to continue this journey with us—from providing pencils to providing even greater educational support.

Together, we are not just distributing supplies—we are helping build futures.

Thank you for your generosity, your compassion, and your belief in these students.

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

Links:

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