I am excited to introduce a new fundraising initiative for the ''Parents2Parents (P2P) Community Support Group'', an essential component of the ''Pens Up Canes Down'' project by Future Leaders Initiative SL. This initiative is dedicated to combating violence against children (VAC) and fostering a culture of respect and dignity in Sierra Leone. As the 2030 United Nations deadline to end violence against children approaches, our focus is on empowering parents and supporting families, particularly women, in our community.
Why This Matters to Me
A year ago, upon returning to my village from Freetown, I reconnected with Mary, a schoolmate from Kagbatama. Back in SSS1, Mary had dreams of becoming a bank manager. Today, she is a single mother of two children, aged between 9 and 10, struggling to make ends meet. The thought of her children facing a future without hope or opportunity drove me to take action. I've seen how poverty and violence devastate families in my community. Together with Mary and other women and girls, I am determined to change this narrative by creating economic opportunities for a sustainable society.
The Challenge
In Sierra Leone, 1 in 3 parents report that violence against children is a significant issue in their homes. With 1 in 4 households now led by single parents, financial instability, social isolation, and heightened stress levels are common, all of which increase the risk of VAC. Addressing these challenges requires targeted support and resources, particularly for women who play a crucial role in nurturing and protecting their families.
Our Solution
To tackle these challenges, we are launching a fundraiser to support the first ten P2P women with mini business grants. We aim to raise $3,000 to fund this initiative.
- Empowering Women with Financial Support: Each of the ten women, including Mary, will receive a $150 grant. This assistance will help them start or grow small businesses, contributing to their economic stability and improving their ability to care for their children.
- Entrepreneurship Training: In addition to the financial support, we will provide entrepreneurship training to these women, equipping them with the skills they need to manage and sustain their businesses successfully.
The Impact of Your Support
Your contribution will have a lasting impact:
- $150 will empower a woman to start a small business, providing her family with a sustainable income for a year or more.
- $3,000 will enable us to support the first ten women, laying the foundation for ongoing economic empowerment and community development.
Join Us in Making a Difference
I’m inviting you to join me in this effort by donating $100, $50, or even $25 to help us build a brighter future for these families. Every dollar counts and will make a tangible difference in their lives.
To learn more about the P2P initiative, please click https://www.weareflisl.org/general-8
You can also watch an interview with some of the women involved in the P2P program https://youtu.be/PiBou9JHJK8?si=P_i9DU2CcsmMllch
Together, we can help these women gain the independence they need to support their families and create a safer, more hopeful community for their children. Thank you for your support!
