Workforce Empowerment in Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, workforce training is more than just skill-building—it’s a crucial pathway to self-reliance and economic stability. Through vocational programs in fields like tailoring, hairdressing, catering, and computer technology, individuals gain practical, marketable skills that open doors to employment or entrepreneurship. These opportunities not only improve personal livelihoods but also contribute to the economic growth and resilience of entire communities.

Isatu, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to YOU in this video saying, “Hello, my name is Isatu, and I am a beneficiary of Develop Africa Sierra Leone. Thank you for covering my hairdresser program cost. Thank you!”

Her heartfelt message reflects the deep impact vocational training has—not just in building a career, but in restoring hope and dignity.

Your contributions help provide the resources and support needed for more individuals to gain skills, secure stable incomes, and build brighter futures.

By investing in workforce training, you're helping to lay the foundation for long-term development and economic empowerment across Sierra Leone. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.

Warm regards,
Amy and the Develop Africa Team
GlobalGiving@developafrica.org

Links:

• Empower Future Leaders in Sierra Leone
• Video of Appreciation from Isatu

Develop Africa organized a two-day Early Childhood Education training for teachers in Kamawornie via video call. The training aimed to provide an immersive and practical learning experience. It equipped teachers with the knowledge and strategies to foster meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning for young learners.

Day One: Foundations and Developmental Insights

• The session began with an introduction of the five participating teachers, who shared their teaching backgrounds and experiences. This created a sense of community and set a collaborative tone.

• Teachers completed consent forms and a pre-test to assess their baseline knowledge, enabling facilitators to tailor the sessions to their specific needs.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP):

   • Teachers learned the importance of aligning educational approaches with children’s developmental stages and milestones for ages 3-6.

   • Emphasis was placed on supporting children’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language growth through early play and exploration.

2. Classroom Principles:

   • Building nurturing relationships and creating a positive learning environment.

   • Highlighting the role of play as an essential educational tool.

   • Understanding children’s active engagement and how affirming, respectful environments enhance learning.

Day Two: STEM Education and Practical Application

• The focus shifted to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with teachers exploring interactive and resourceful ways to engage young learners using local and provided materials.

• A bridge-building activity demonstrated how play-based learning nurtures creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.

• Teachers practiced applying the engineering design cycle and embraced new strategies for teaching math and literacy through hands-on, culturally relevant experiences. 

The two-day training was a resounding success, providing Kamawornie teachers with practical knowledge and strategies to elevate early childhood education. By fostering hands-on, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate practices, the training laid a foundation for creating engaging learning experiences that will benefit children in their critical early years.

A heartfelt thank you to all donors whose generosity made this impactful training possible. Your support is transforming education and empowering communities in Sierra Leone.

For inquiries, please contact us at GlobalGiving@developafrica.org.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Amy & The Develop Africa Team

Links:

• Empower Future Leaders in Sierra Leone