Gender Equality Sierra Leone Project #3935

Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

by Develop Africa, Inc.

Summary

Girls' education is a significant priority. This project eliminates stumbling blocks and provides essential resources for girls, helping them advance their education. This includes school/college tuition support, vocational training, computer training, etc., empowering girls to be self-sufficient. The enabling support also covers books & school supplies, girls' mentoring, food, extra tutoring/exam support, STEM programs, mobile devices/laptops, bed nets, solar lights, and class bus passes.

$375,000
total goal

$53,240
remaining

3,749
donors

31
monthly donors

108
fundraisers

13
years

Challenge

Gender inequality is still a significant cause and effect of hunger and poverty. Sadly, across the region, 9 million girls between the ages of about 6 and 11 will never go to school, compared to 6 million boys, according to UIS data. By the time they become adolescents, the exclusion rate for girls is 36% compared to 32% for boys. Without urgent action, the situation will likely worsen as the region faces a rising demand for education due to a still-growing school-age population. (UNESCO, 2021).

Solution

This project helps close the gender gap by helping more girls go to school and complete their education. This is done through school support, including books and supplies, fees, uniforms, food support, transportation, solar lights, tutoring, etc. The mentoring sessions ensure that the girls have the life skills and mindset needed for success. Computer training, vocational, and business opportunities ensure progress toward self-sufficiency. Together we are clearing crippling stumbling blocks.

Long-Term Impact

This project helps girls break out of the vicious cycle of poverty that entraps unskilled and resource-poor girls. At-risk girls are maturing into well-educated, emancipated, gainfully employed, and self-sufficient women. These empowered women are the pillars of their families, communities, and the nation. When the home's mother is educated, the entire family's health, well-being, and success are propelled forward and transformed. Educated girls are empowered and inform the whole nation.