Churches are uniquely positioned to make a lasting, generational impact.
When a congregation unites around a clear mission, something powerful happens. Compassion becomes action. Prayer becomes provision. Faith becomes visible.
When I was invited to share my story during an interview, I did not expect it to prompt such profound reflection.
The questions brought back memories of the early struggle, the first door that opened, and the vision that kept me going. That conversation reminded me of why I started and why thousands of African youths now have access to the support they need. This article is my attempt to put that journey into writing.
In 2005, a single phone call altered my perspective on life.
At Develop Africa, we sincerely appreciate every form of support that comes our way, whether it is financial contributions, volunteer work, or advocacy efforts. We understand that not everyone can donate money, but there are numerous ways you can help us make a difference without spending a dime. Here are ten meaningful ways you can support our cause:
Share our mission, success stories, and ongoing projects on social media platforms.
Did you know that Sierra Leone is grappling with one of the highest poverty rates globally? Over 50% of its population lives below the poverty line, facing immense challenges daily. At the heart of this struggle lies a lack of education.
Imagine sitting in a classroom with no pencils, paper or textbooks. This scenario is the reality for thousands of children in Sierra Leone.
Families are having to choose between buying school supplies and buying food.
When families are forced to choose, the effects are devastating: in 2019, only 39% of primary school students in Sierra Leone were able to reach Grade 6. This country has endured decades of hardship, including the Sierra Leonean Civil War in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus in 2014.
Choosing a course to study at university was a challenging decision for me. It felt like choosing a life partner—one that would shape my future and determine the life I would lead. This marked the first step in my journey toward independence. Like many students transitioning from high school, I struggled with selecting the right field of study. It required determination, boldness, and hard work.
Like many young graduates, I once believed that life after university would be easy. With my degree, I thought that securing a job in a bank or corporate office would be a smooth and straightforward process. That dream fueled my years of study, pushing me to excel. But now, standing on the other side of graduation, I am confronted with a harsh reality—one filled with frustration, disappointments, and an uncertain future.
“If I win, you have to make me a promise, ok?” Abiola earnestly says to me as we sit on
the playground playing tic-tac-toe.
“It depends on the promise,” I respond with a smile.
“If I win, you have to promise to be my friend forever,” she says.
Make a Difference Today: Donate to the Year of the Pencil Campaign
On November 20th, this movement placed over 100,000 pencils into the hands
of children across Sierra Leone in 20 schools.
Each pencil tells a story — of hope, opportunity, and possibility.
Education is more than lessons — it’s liberation.
Every $25 helps children write their dreams.
👉 Help provide pencils by donating today!
