Educate the Future Leaders of Sierra Leone

In November 2025, I had the privilege of visiting Kamawornie Village, Sierra Leone, one of the rural communities where Develop Africa has worked consistently for many years. Although our organization has supported Kamawornie through education and community-based initiatives for a long time, this was my first personal visit to the village.

While a fellow board member, Parker R., visited Kamawornie shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, this visit allowed me to finally see firsthand the classrooms, community, and children we have been supporting—and to listen directly to the voices of those whose lives have been shaped by this work.

Standing alongside community members, it became clear that our long-term presence has built trust, partnership, and shared ownership. This visit was deeply meaningful and reaffirmed the importance, relevance, and long-term impact of our investments in early childhood education, teacher support, and community engagement.

I visited several nursery classrooms and had the joy of sitting among the children as they sang welcome songs and participated in interactive activities. The room was alive with energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Although modest in physical resources, the classrooms represent a significant leap forward for this remote village. Children are now developing:

• Early literacy and numeracy skills
  
  
• Communication and social interaction
  
  
• Confidence through participation and group learning
  

Teachers engaged openly during the visit, sharing their experiences, challenges, and progress. Many expressed appreciation for the training, encouragement, and consistent support they have received over the years.

Kamawornie is a remote village, and like many rural communities, it traditionally receives fewer resources due to accessibility challenges. Yet the needs are just as real—and often greater—than those in urban areas.

Develop Africa’s philosophy remains clear and unwavering:

A child’s location should not determine their access to quality education or opportunity.

By intentionally investing in remote communities like Kamawornie, we are helping to level the playing field and ensure that no child is left behind simply because of geography.

This work would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of individuals and partners who believe in education as a long-term solution.

Your investment is visible—not only in physical structures, but in confident children, engaged teachers, and empowered communities.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has walked this journey with us. Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping transform lives—one village, one classroom, and one child at a time.

With sincere gratitude,
 Sylvester Renner
 President & Founder, Develop Africa

Links:

• Empower Future Leaders in Sierra Leone with Education