During the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone, teenage girls (particularly those orphaned when their families passed away) were out of school and more vulnerable to rape and sexual assault. Many of them became pregnant and are now new mothers. They need baby care to enable them to attend classes at Creating Pathways Centre, continue their education and find employment.
The inability of a young mother to continue school can be one the most harmful and psychologically distressing aspects of motherhood - with an additional crippling, long term, career impact. They need help caring for their babies so they can return to school.
We are offering a viable alternative and support to help these young mothers continue their education. This project will help provide baby care packages, funds to pay for baby care giving, and transportation for the mothers to and from school.
These deserving girls will be able to complete this critical step of their education. This will enable them to progress in their careers. As a result, their future employment opportunities will not be adversely or negatively affected. This educational lifeline will re-open the door of opportunities for them. This timely intervention will bring real hope and help them escape from potential future unemployment and poverty.