By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
Dear project partners,
Many kids in Sierra Leone are the first kids in their family history / generation to go to school. These kids do not receive any educational support (with homework, educational counselling etc.) from their parents.
The UNDP summary of Sierra Leone states that ... "illiteracy remains a persistent challenge and youth that lack that skills and education find it extremely difficult to compete for the limited jobs available". The article estimates the adult illiteracy rate at 41%.
On one hand, this is simply disheartening. On the other hand, this presents to us an exciting opportunity to be able to bring meaningful change, one life at a time. This excites us tremendously.
In July, I had the opportunity to visit Sierra Leone and evaluate the economy, needs, mentality and our impact. I found out that Sierra Leoneans are happy that the Ebola epidemic is behind them. In conversations with close to 100 people, I observed passion, the will to progress and a burning desire to enhance and improve themselves. Amongst other things, they specifically asked for support with microfinance and school fees.
Covering school expenses is crucial as it removes the primary reason why kids drop out of school. This is one of the best ways we can help Sierra Leone recover.
Education continues to be one of the governmental priorities. We are excited that we can together be part of boosting education and helping Sierra Leone recover.
Thanks to YOUR support, we also continue to offer coaching lessons at the After School Lesson Program. This meets a vital need particularly for kids who are the first in her family to go to school.
Suad (pictured) is one of the girls who attends regularly. She is now almost 8 years old. She is a pupil in the Vickrays Community Primary School and she is in class three. As a result of the lessons, Suad's performance in school has greatly improved. She has been attending this lesson for about seven months. When asked what she learns from the most, she said she really benefits from the Social Studies lesson.
Our support is making a visible difference - helping kids to stay in school and enhancing their academic progress while in school.
The new academic year starts this month. We have over 50 kids on our waiting list.
Please join us today in ensuring one more kid stays in school by donating $100. Thanks for your support!
With very warm regards
Sylvester and the Develop Africa team
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By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
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