Youth unemployment remains a challenge globally. According to the International Labor Organization, the youth unemployment rate in Africa remains below the world average estimation in 2022. Young people in Sierra Leone have faced the consequences of recent setbacks to the global economy. It is in that regard that Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) organized a girls' mentoring session on designing slippers & headbands with beads.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, we reflect on some of the girls and women who have been empowered by your generous support with computer training, vocational training, and microfinance loans for small businesses in Sierra Leone.
Investing in young women’s economic empowerment and skills development is one of the most urgent and effective means to drive progress on gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth- UN Women.
On January 24th we celebrated the International Day of Education with the theme being To invest in people, prioritize education.
Education is a proven way to alleviate poverty and bring lasting change.
In December, an inter-mentoring debating competition was held on the topic “formal education is the key to personal success”. Forty-five (25 girls and 20 boys) beneficiaries attended the event.
Thank you for your support towards empowering and educating girls in Africa with girls' mentoring sessions. Mentoring helps girls go through challenging life transitions, including dealing with stressful changes at home, critical decision-making, problem-solving, and transitioning to adulthood.
Finda & Mariama talk about what they learned at a girls' mentoring session on peer pressure in this video.
Happy New Year! We are truly grateful for the #YearEnd support we received!!
We asked for your help to send Mariama to college and your support made it possible for Mariama to start college this semester.
Mariama made this video of gratitude to you saying
Thank you very much for the support you have given me this past year. You helped to pay my first-year tuition fees at the University. You’ve really helped me a lot and I’m very grateful. Thank you very much!
Menstruation shouldn't prevent a girl from getting her education.
Did you know that in Sierra Leone, first-year college students are typically asked to pay tuition upfront for an entire semester of college?
This is required before starting college classes. These students also typically do not have access to student loans or financial aid. There are very few and limited scholarships.
Mariama, pictured above, has been accepted to the University, but she will not be able to start classes until her tuition is paid.
School is in session, and we're excited about all the possibilities this year will bring.
Your generous donation over the past year has helped to ensure that hard-working African students have the opportunity to complete their education. You're a hero to the student, their family, and the school they can attend.
As you know, we're passionate about offering opportunities for education to hard-working students. And I can see that you also value the education of children.
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!
