Educate the Future Leaders of Sierra Leone

Dear Project Supporters,

A month or so ago, schools resumed in Sierra Leone. The recent flooding caused schools to be closed for a few days - but schools are back in full swing.

The kids are excited to be progressing in a new school year. Education continues to be very highly valued in this former British colony.  

The country is still under an Ebola watch. Thankfully, no single Ebola case was reported in schools during the last school term. The authorities are very vigilant and working hard to ensure that schools remain safe. Schools are continuing to enforce hand washing and temperature screening measures.

One of the kids that your support helps provide supplies for is Hassanatu. Hassanatu lives with her mother along with 4 other children. Her mother lacks a stable income, making life difficult for the family. Hassanatu would like to be a Nurse when she grows up. She is very helpful at home - and sweeps and wash dishes.

Because of YOU, children like Hassanatu are receiving the education they need to be successful in life.

Thank YOU so much for your continued support.

Bests Regards,

Develop Africa team

Links:

• Children go back to school in Sierra Leone
• Storm and flooding in Sierra Leone

Dear Project Supporters

As you may know, June 16th every year is commemorated as the Day of the African Child (DAC) by Member States of the African Union (AU), and its Partners as follows:

• This occasion is firstly a commemoration to recall the 1976 uprising in Soweto, when a protest by school children in South Africa against apartheid –inspired education resulted in the public killing of these unarmed young protesters by police officials.
• The DAC further presents an opportunity to focus on the work of all actors committed to the rights of children on the continent, to consolidate their efforts in addressing the obstacles for realizing these rights.
• The DAC also provides an occasion for Governments, International Institutions and Communities to renew their on-going commitments towards improving the plight of children by organizing activities aimed at including them.

This year we took the time to commemorate the day at the new Dream Home for Ebola Orphans.  Our goal was to pass on the message of sharing to them and to also help them realize that as children they are very important and valued.  We used the opportunity to share with the orphans briefly about the origin of the DAC and to also pass on the importance of education.

Food was prepared to commemorate the program held at the school that they attend. The kids also gathered flowers to remember those that have passed away. The kids enjoyed eating Foofoo (a local dish).

The After School Lesson program at Door of Hope has experienced tremendous growth in the past 2-3 months.  On July 1st, 2015, we registered over 240 students!

The children are clearly benefitting from the lessons and the school materials that YOU are helping to provide.  Thanks to your support, we have also been able to purchase additional benches for the kids to sit own.  We still need more benches to keep up with the growth. We are delighted that we can help to strengthen the education of these kids - the next generation.

Save The Date:  On July 15th, starting at 9:00 am Eastern US Time, donations on GlobalGiving USA and GlobalGiving UK will be matched at 50%.  This would be an ideal time to make your donation go even further and we welcome your support.  Your $50 donation will go towards providing scholarships for these deserving kids.  

Thanks so much for your support.

Cordially

The Develop Africa team

Links:

• Day of the African Child 2015
• Tremendous Growth at After School Lesson Program at Door of Hope