Impact Vocational Training Centerfor Women Farmers

Impact Sierra Leone is excited to share Report 5 with our global community of supporters and partners. This reporting period has been marked by tremendous growth, strategic transitions, and deepening impact in Foindu Village and beyond. Foindu is the location where the vocational training center for women farmers is being constructed. We are grateful for your continued partnership as we advance our mission to empower communities through sustainable development initiatives.

Champions of Impact Program

We proudly introduced our Champions of Impact Program, at three of our Threads of Impact Events. This is a strategic initiative designed to recognize and engage our dedicated volunteers and donors who form the backbone of our organization. This program creates a structured pathway for supporters to deepen their involvement with Impact Sierra Leone, whether through financial contributions, time, expertise, or advocacy. Our Champions are individuals who believe in the transformative power of community-led development and are committed to walking alongside us as we build sustainable futures in rural Sierra Leone. We have gained a total of ten dedicated individuals as Champions of Impact members.

Infrastructure & Community Development

Sign Post Installation

Working closely with our project management and engineering team. we designed and installed a permanent signpost in Foindu Village. This visible marker represents more than just way finding, it stands as a symbol of our long-term commitment to the community and establishes our organizational presence in the village. The signpost installation was met with tremendous appreciation from community members, who see it as evidence that Impact Sierra Leone is here to stay and invested in their future.

Delivery of Sewing Machines: First Exposure to Greatness

One of our most celebrated milestones this period was the delivery of sewing machines to Foindu Village. which were donations from kindhearted donors in the United States. For many of our women, this represented their first exposure to greatness—the first time they could envision themselves as skilled artisans and entrepreneurs. The demand for sewing training among our women has been overwhelming, with dozens expressing their desire to learn garment construction as a pathway to economic independence. These machines are not merely tools; they are instruments of transformation that will enable women to generate income, support their families, and gain recognition for their craftsmanship.

Medical Supplies Distribution - Partnership with Pearl Health Organization

Health is fundamental to community thriving, and this period marked a significant advancement in our healthcare initiatives through our collaboration with Pearl Health Organization (PHF), This foundation are official partners with Impact Sierra Leone (ISL) and deeply interested in the healthcare assessment of rural Africa, They recognized the critical needs in Foindu Village and partnered with us to supply a substantial amount of healthcare supplies. This partnership represents a powerful synergy between organizations committed to closing the healthcare gap in underserved communities.

The medical supplies delivered through this collaboration addressed critical gaps in basic medical resources, from first aid materials to essential medications and preventive care items. PHFs support reflects a growing recognition of ISL’s grassroots reach and our ability to ensure that resources reach the communities that need them most. This is more than a one-time donation; it’s the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on comprehensive healthcare assessment and sustained support for rural northern Sierra Leone. Together, we are building a model for how international health organizations can effectively support community-based development work in remote areas.

Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S) Outreach Organization - Sustained Monthly Support

We are privileged to maintain a vital partnership with Family Agricultural Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S) Outreach Organization, which provides constant monthly support for our farm activities and community wellness initiatives. This reliable partnership enables us to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables as well as health and hygiene supplies for the children, girls, and people of Foindu Village on a consistent basis. The main beneficiaries are children of the women farmers in the village and is a great morale booster for the community.

The impact of this sustained support cannot be overstated. In rural communities where access to nutritious food and basic hygiene products is limited, F.A.R.M.S Outreach Organization’s monthly commitment ensures that families don’t just survive, they have the nutritional foundation to thrive. Children receive the vitamins and minerals essential for cognitive development and physical growth. Women and girls have access to hygiene products that support their dignity and health. Families experience the security of knowing that each month, fresh produce and essential supplies will reach their community.

This partnership exemplifies the power of predictable, ongoing support. Rather than sporadic interventions, F.A.R.M.S Outreach Organization has chosen to walk with us month after month, creating stability that allows us to plan, budget, and deliver with consistency. Their dedication to our F.A.R.M.S activities also strengthens the agricultural capacity of Foindu Village,Northern Sierra Leone creating a sustainable cycle where local farming is supported and community nutrition is prioritized.

Building Supplies for Foundation Construction

Progress on our permanent facility continues with the delivery of building supplies for the foundation construction. Our volunteers along with the project engineer purchased bags of cement and other tools to be used in constructing the building foundation as part of Phase 2 construction. This physical infrastructure will serve as the hub for our vocational training programs, community gatherings, and administrative operations. Each bag of cement and bundle of materials represents another step toward establishing a lasting institutional presence in Foindu Village.

Digital Transformation & Transparency

Robust Website Resource Update

We invested significantly in updating our website with comprehensive resources that provide stakeholders with deeper insight into our work. The updated platform now features detailed program information, impact metrics, and community stories that bring our mission to life and newly improved brand.

Enhanced Marketing Materials

In our commitment to accountability and transparency, we developed and distributed enhanced marketing materials that offer a robust view into our organizational operations, financial stewardship, and programmatic outcomes. These materials serve multiple audiences, from potential donors to community partners—and reflect our belief that transparency builds trust.

Social Media Footprint Expansion

We strengthened our presence across all digital platforms, ensuring consistent messaging and regular updates that keep our community informed and engaged. This expanded social footprint has increased our reach and attracted new supporters to our cause.

Outreach & Active Engagement

Our outreach efforts remained dynamic throughout this period, with our team maintaining active support and communication with community members, partners, and stakeholders. This ongoing engagement ensures that our programs remain responsive to community needs and aligned with our strategic objectives.

Christmas Day of Hope Campaign

Our Christmas Day of Hope Campaign, which ran for two intensive weeks, yielded profitable results that exceeded our expectations. We successfully mobilized resources to send approximately six barrels to Foindu Village in anticipation of the Christmas Day of Hope festivity. This campaign demonstrated the generosity of our donor base and our operational capacity to coordinate complex logistics for rural delivery. The joy and gratitude expressed by community members when these barrels arrived reinforced why we do this work—because every child deserves to experience the magic of hope, especially during the holiday season. The
women farmers who will benefit from the vocational center play an important role in the Christmas Day of Hope activities including coordination, cooking, organizing activities and participating in the cooking competition.

Evening of Hope Fundraiser - December 5th, 2025

We are in active preparation for our year-end campaign in the United States, designed to bring the diaspora community into meaningful engagement with Sierra Leonean culture. Scheduled for December 5th, the Evening of Hope Fundraiser promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and impact.

This signature event will feature a cultural reception where attendees can experience authentic Sierra Leonean traditions, from traditional music and dance to culinary delights, while learning about the transformative work happening in Foindu Village. What makes this event particularly special is our partnership with Strategic Collaboration Network (SCN) and the active involvement of our dedicated volunteers in the diaspora. SCN brings strategic expertise in event coordination and community mobilization, ensuring that every aspect of the evening reflects excellence and cultural authenticity.

Our diaspora volunteers have been instrumental in planning, outreach, and logistics, transforming this from simply a fundraiser into a true community gathering. Their personal connections to Sierra Leone and their understanding of both cultures create a bridge that makes the evening more eventful and meaningful for all attendees. Together with SCN, we’re creating an experience that doesn’t just ask for support, it invites participants into a movement, showing them exactly how their contributions translate into wells dug, women trained, and communities transformed.

This event represents a strategic bridge between diaspora resources and grassroots impact, and we anticipate it will significantly strengthen our funding base while deepening cultural connections within the diaspora community.

Leadership Transition & Organizational Restructuring

New Country Director Appointed

Impact Sierra Leone underwent a significant leadership transition during this period. We bid farewell to Mr. Joseph Sesay, our outgoing Country Director, whose service laid important groundwork for our organization. We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris Mansaray as our newly appointed Country Director. Mr. Mansaray previously served as ISL Deputy Country Director, bringing institutional knowledge and proven leadership to his expanded role. Additionally, Mrs. Blessing Mammah has stepped into the role of Deputy Country Director, strengthening our leadership team with her expertise and dedication.

This transition reflects our commitment to developing leadership from within and ensuring continuity in our mission delivery. The seamless handover speaks to the strength of our organizational culture and the depth of talent within our team.

Partnership with B&N Consulting Firm

Pulling more strings to enhance our operational capacity, we established a collaboration with B&N Consulting Firm,  who are actively assisting with project implementation, strategic planning, and organizational development. This partnership brings professional expertise that will accelerate our impact and strengthen our systems.

Volunteer Restructuring

We undertook a comprehensive restructuring of ISL volunteers, putting adequate measures in place to ensure effective deployment of human resources. This process included reassigning roles to each individual based on their skills, interests, and availability, creating a more efficient and engaged volunteer corps.

Recognition & New Partnerships

It is deeply validating to see our impact work being recognized beyond our immediate network. During this period, several organizations reached out expressing interest in impact collaborations with us. These emerging partnerships validate our approach and create opportunities for amplified impact through joint initiatives. When organizations seek us out rather than the other way around, it confirms that we’re building something sustainable and worthy of replication.

Event Management & Year-End Preparations

Our team has been actively managing fundraiser events and maintaining robust updates across our platforms. We are currently in preparation for **two main events for year-end**: the December 5th Evening of Hope and an additional major event on  December 12th, 2025. These gatherings represent critical opportunities to engage supporters, raise funds, and showcase our work. The momentum building around these events has been encouraging, with early registrations exceeding our projections.

Storytelling & Connection Initiatives

Voices of Hope Series

We introduced the Voices of Hope Series, a storytelling initiative designed to capture and share the authentic experiences of the women farmers of Foindu Village in rural northern Sierra Leone. These narratives humanize our work and create emotional connections between donors and beneficiaries, fostering deeper understanding and sustained engagement. Through video interviews, written testimonials, and photo essays, we’re ensuring that the women we serve are not just statistics in a report—they are voices with names, dreams, and stories that deserve to be heard.

Threads of Impact Campaign

Our Threads of Impact  initiative serves as a strategic connector between our vocational training center and the diaspora community in the local DMV area. Through targeted storytelling and campaign efforts, we have been able to raise

$3,640 on our own. A testament to the power of compelling narratives and engaged networks. This campaign specifically highlights the sewing and textile training programs, linking the skills development happening in Foindu Village with market opportunities and supporter interest abroad. Every dollar raised through Threads of Impact goes directly toward training materials, instructor support, and business development resources for our women artisans. We successfully hosted three Threads of Impact events in Maryland where we shared about the Vocational Training center project as well as Sierra Leone culture through food, artwork, music and more.

Looking Ahead

As we close this reporting period, we are energized by the momentum we’ve built and the partnerships we’ve strengthened. Every sewing machine delivered, every barrel sent, every volunteer hour contributed brings us closer to our vision of thriving, self-sustaining communities in Sierra Leone. The synergy between our grassroots presence in Foindu Village and our growing network of partners from Family Agricuture Resource Management Services ( F.A.R.M.S), Pearl Health Organization to Strategic Collaboration Network to B&N Consulting, GlobalGiving and our overall Donors and Supporters, demonstrates that collaboration amplifies impact.

We are deeply grateful to our Champions of Impact and all who stand with us in this mission. Your belief in our work fuels our determination, and your generosity makes transformation tangible for families in rural Sierra Leone.

Thank you for making transformation possible.

Our future targets will be to complete Phase 2 construction of the building Foundation (1st floor), execute the Christmas Day of Hope event, Evening of Hope Fundraiser (December, 2025) and conduct annual visit with the women farmers and Foindu Village community.

Impact Sierra Leone

Links:

• Impact Sierra Leone Website

Overview

The Impact Vocational Skills Training Center: A Future in the Making At the heart of our current infrastructure push lies the construction of the Impact Vocational Skills Training Center—a project rooted in economic empowerment and long-term change.

This center is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a lifeline for women, youth, and vulnerable community members, providing:

• Hands-on training in fashion design, agriculture, and trades to help people start businesses and generate income.

• Safe, accessible education spaces for those who have aged out or dropped out of traditional schools.

• Workshops and mentorship programs are designed to build confidence, leadership, and employable skills.

Impact Sierra Leone (ISL) in partnership with the Foindu Village community is building a Vocational Training center with a target completion by December 2025. The Agribusiness vocational training center for women farmers will make significant strides in supporting and empowering women in agriculture. Through bricks, skills, healing, and partnership, the women of Foindu are transforming their lives—and we are simply helping to hold the space.

The vocational training center will be a state-of-the-art “Impact Women’s Vocational Center” as the first phase of a comprehensive four-part development plan for an Agribusiness Hub. A cohort of 40 women farmers have been identified as the vocational center’s initial participants. Under the direction of certified instructors, they will learn essential skills to foster economic independence, community building and creativity. These skills include blending traditional and modern agricultural practices, learning modern agribusiness practices, sewing, small business management, entrepreneurship, fashion design, jewelry making, arts/crafts, culinary arts, traditional and digital literacy. “Our mission is to empower women as the cornerstone of sustainable development in Sierra Leone,” said Dr. Adama Kalokoh, Executive Director of ISL. “This center is more than a facility; it’s a bridge to economic empowerment and a brighter future for women who are vital to progress in their communities.”

Update 1.Selected Morgantech Engineering and Construction company as the official contractors for our building project

A major milestone for our project was the selection of a reputable construction company in Sierra Leone, West Africa who will be responsible for the complete construction of the Impact Vocational Training Center. In fulfillment of our commitment from the last report, Morgan Tech Construction Company has been appointed as the lead contractor and is currently managing the early phases of construction. Their presence on-site signals a tangible shift from concept to reality. But what’s rising from the ground is more than brick and mortar—it’s the infrastructure of equity.

The lead Engineer is Mohamed Morgan Kamara and the company is a registered business in Sierra Leone. During the month of April, the lead engineer attended the site visit, obtained land measurement details and provided concrete architectural drawings based on our project scope details. As a team, we agreed on the center being a two-level structure with ten classrooms, full-service restrooms, storage facilities, handicap access, staff rooms and even an outside area for gardening/planting. The engineer designed several design plans. Included below is the Ground Floor plan as well as the Signpost that will soon be installed at the site of the building project.

Update 2. Conducted Site Visit in April

On April 5th, 2025, Impact Sierra Leone launched Phase 1 of the Impact Vocational Training Center for women farmers with a full-day site visitation and community engagement. This important milestone involved key participants, including:

•The site construction engineer and surveyor

•Members of the Women’s Agribusiness Collective (40 total)

•ISL volunteers and leadership •Local clinic staff

•Village leaders and other community stakeholders

Event Highlights:

The event featured the presentation of architectural layout designs, a walk-through of the designated building site, and a sensitization session to share the project’s objectives, impact goals, and upcoming construction phases with the community. The engineer and site surveyor captured land measurements for the building and soil samples for the foundation plans.

Empowerment posters were designed for the women as an added feature along with a lot of cultural singing. Refreshments were provided for all attendees prepared by the women farmers. The women farmers of Foindu Village are eager and excited—ready to embrace this opportunity to transform their futures through skill and craftsmanship. 

Update 3. Launched Threads of Impact VIP Purpose Mixers to attract business owners in the Diaspora to support the Impact Vocational Training Center

To extend our reach in the Diaspora, our organization will be hosting several intimate VIP Purpose Mixers & to create global momentum for our project. As bricks go up, so does our momentum. In May 2025, we launched the first edition of Threads of Impact: VIP Purpose Mixer, held on May 17th. This exclusive event brought together members of the African Diaspora, cultural influencers, philanthropists, and impact investors to experience the story of Impact Sierra Leone up close.

The goal was to shift from distant support to proximity-based advocacy—what we call impact surveillance. The response was powerful, and the impact continued to ripple.

During the Threads of Impact events, attendees gained deeper insight into each class that will be taught at the Vocational Skills Center—ranging from tailoring and hairdressing to farming and literacy. These conversations didn’t just inform they sparked collaboration. Guests shared their perspectives, offered possible solutions, and even pledged resources to help us meet supply needs. It was a meaningful moment that marked a big step forward in engaging the diaspora, not just as supporters, but as active contributors to the center’s growth and long-term sustainability.

Event Highlights:

This event was hosted in joint with one of our official partners, the Strategic Consulting Network, LLC at their Columbia Maryland office in an intimate setting. Attendees enjoyed cultural cuisine from Sierra Leone, cultural music, and cultural exchange connected to our Impact Vocational Training Center building project. This is the first of many purposeful gatherings in person we will host with amazing supporters within the local DMV area to raise awareness about this project.

Attendees were able to learn firsthand about the Impact Vocational Center and its potential to transform the lives of many women in Northern Sierra Leone. The CEO of ISL presented many marketing materials designed for the building project as well as highlights of the beneficiaries in the village.

As an added feature, the CEO debuted her new book entitled, “Crown of Victory” which highlights the culture of Sierra Leone. Proceeds of the book will support Impact Sierra Leone organization projects and initiatives. The CEO also introduced the new program at ISL called the “Champion of Impact”.

Attendees pledged to become Champion of Impact members and to give their financial and moral support towards the building project. Encouraged by this success, we are gearing up for the second Purpose Mixer, scheduled for July 26th, 2025. This upcoming gathering will bring even more purpose-aligned partners into the circle—deepening their understanding and commitment to our cause. 

Update 4. Launched a New Program called “Champion of Impact

We created the Champion of Impact program to sustain our growing movement of supporters and as our call to action for individuals ready to be at the forefront of change. It’s an opportunity to join a dedicated group working collaboratively to support ISL's mission, especially our building project. This program ensures that anyone, anywhere can stand shoulder to shoulder with the women of Foindu. Already, we’ve seen a rise in partnerships and volunteer interest through this new model. To sustain this growing movement, we recently launched the Champions of Impact Program—a bold call for global citizens to take active roles in this journey. Champions can engage in three ways:

• Champion of Impact: Volunteers

• Champion of Impact: Donors

• Dual Champion of Impact

Update 5. Enhanced Website & Developed Robust Market Materials for Project

To help reach more supporters and to tell our amazing story of impact, we have made serveal process improvements within our organization to include:

- Website update and rebranding

- CHAMPION OF IMPACTS One Pagers (Dual, Volunteer, Donor)

- Brochures (ISL brochure, Champion of impact)

- Vocational Training Center One pagers (11)

- Threads of Impact posters - QR Codes (Donation, Website)

- Thank you Postcards

- Impact Sierra Leone Media Kit

- Impact Sierra Leone Sponsor Packet

- Google Form link to join preferred Champion of impact.

- Project Support Fliers

- Video Reels for Project Promotion

Update 7. Finalized the Vocational Training Courses for the Center

ISL and team have selected eleven training courses that will be offered at the Impact Vocational Training center including a Wellness Course. ISL by including mental wellness as a foundation, we help heal the whole woman as they learn valuable skills. We know that empowerment isn’t just externality, it must also be internal. That’s why ISL is embedding mental wellness and emotional resilience into all our programming. From wellness workshops to counseling referrals, we are building a foundation not only for growth—but for healing. Because sustainability starts with a woman who is whole in mind, body, and spirit.

The classes included are: Fashion Design, Jewelry & BeadMaking, Culinary, etc,.

Update 8. Designed Signpost for the Installation at Project Site in the Village

ISL and team have selected eleven training courses that will be offered at the Impact Vocational Training center including a Wellness Course. ISL by including mental wellness as a foundation, we help heal the whole woman as they learn valuable skills. We know that empowerment isn’t just externality, it must also be internal. That’s why ISL is embedding mental wellness and emotional resilience into all our programming. From wellness workshops to counseling referrals, we are building a foundation not only for growth—but for healing. Because sustainability starts with a woman who is whole in mind, body, and spirit.

The Call to Build with Us

We are proud of how far we’ve come—but we are not yet where we need to be. The construction of the Impact Vocational Skills Training Center depends on ongoing funding, material support, and partnerships that believe in impact that lasts.

We invite:

Members of the diaspora ready to reconnect with purpose,

Organizations aligned with empowerment and education,

Individuals who believe skills are the foundation of freedom.

Now is the time to invest in infrastructure that empowers.

Our New and Improved Website is www.impactsierraleone.org

Recent Project Achievements:

*Site Visit ceremony with key stakeholders at the future site including official photos

*Identified Project Manager, Construction Engineer, Established Project Timeline with milestones

*Developed Sponsorship Presentation Packet, Marketing Promotion Materials to include brochure

Next Steps:

Phase 1 Completion

ISL team continues working to complete Phase 1 construction. Our next step is to purchase supplies to construct the foundation of the building. We aim to complete Phase 1 by the end of August 2025.

During the month of July, we plan on visiting the Construction site and installing the signpost. We will also deliver medical supplies and donations to the Women’s clinic where members of the Impact Womens Agribusiness Collective will benefit.

Upcoming Project Events

*Second edition of Threads of Impact VIP Purpose Mixers will take place on Saturday July 26, 2025. We will also participate in a private fundraising event sponsored by a long time supporter of Impact to raise funds for the project. Impact Sierra Leone will also participate in the GlobalGiving Bonus Day on July 16th.

Links:

• Impact Sierra Leone Website

• Global_Giving_Report_4_for_Vocational_TrainingISL_Final_Version.pdf (PDF)