Help 250 Youth Recover From Ebola in Guinea

It’s a dream come true for the kids who joined the MindLeaps program last year. After a year of preparation at the MindLeaps Center, 18 students are back on a path to what they want most – the education and training that can assure their futures. The activities at the Center – dance, English and French literacy courses – had built their confidence and skills, and given them hope for change in their lives.

In October, that change was made real when eleven students entered primary school, one entered secondary school, five began vocational training in dressmaking, and one was given a work opportunity to earn for herself. 

Through your generosity and support, MindLeaps was able to make their dream a reality by paying all their school tuition and providing the supplies needed to get off to a good start. Each child was equipped with a school bag, pens, notebooks, a pencil case, notebook covers, a pencil sharpener and a ruler. As the girls prepare for school, you can see the eagerness in their smiles! 

Success in school also depends on a solid foundation and continuing support, so MindLeaps takes a holistic approach in working with the children and their families. Before the beginning of the term in October, MindLeaps organized sessions with the children and their parents to better prepare them for this new chapter in their lives. MindLeaps discussed with the parents the important role they play in ensuring their children's success.  Parents were counseled about the importance of taking care of their children’s hygiene and health, and making sure that they attend school every day. 

In preparation for the re-entry of these students into formal schooling, MindLeaps staff also met with school supervisors at l’Ecole Emauss, where several of the children would be taking up their studies. School administrators were sensitized to the ongoing vulnerability and needs of these children, and made aware of the particular situation of each child, to better ensure their success in the school environment.

MindLeaps continues to expand its own capacity to serve the young people who come to the Center. To better carry out our work, we have found a new, larger facility, which after renovation, can serve both to house our youth programs and as a venue to run our Train the Trainer program, instructing new teachers in our methodology. The new facility is located in Matam, the most densely populated of the five districts making up the city of Conakry. MindLeaps is in the process of negotiating details for securing the space to take advantage of this opportunity.