One of the major struggles for school-going students in Sierra Leone is studying at home. Some lack literate adults to guide them in studying, and some lack the materials or the study-friendly atmosphere. Some students live in less privileged homes and communities and have no proper place to study and do their homework. Sometimes these students will sit on the floor or on rocks outside the home, but this is not an effective way to study. 

The March girls' mentoring session covered the topic of adolescence and relationships. Thirty-two young ladies between the ages of 10-20 years old in Freetown attended the mentoring session.   The goal of the mentoring session was to discuss adolescence, reproduction, and relationships.  Each girl received a Growth and Changes Booklet, sanitary pads, toothpaste, soap, and vaseline.  Transportation and lunch were also provided to the girls. 

Thank you for your support towards empowering and educating girls in Africa, like Marian.  Marian is truly thankful for the support she is receiving. She tells us in her video-

International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th each year.  International Women's Day celebrates women and this year UN says "This International Women's Day, let's claim 'Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow'."

We are truly grateful to Catherine, who reached out to Develop Africa asking if she could make a difference for girls in Africa. 

Thanks in part to your ongoing support, the Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) team held another girls’ mentoring program on January 22, 2022, on self-esteem and setting goals.  Thirty-one young ladies between the ages of 10-20 years old in Freetown attended the mentoring session.   Lunch and transportation were provided to the girls in attendance as well as a care package including cooking oil, onions, macaroni, tin tomato, and biscuits.

The guest speaker discussed the following points:

Thanks in part to your ongoing support, the Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) team held another girls’ mentoring program in December on choosing a career.  Thirty-two young ladies between the ages of 10-20 years old in Freetown attended the mentoring session.   Lunch and transportation were provided to the girls in attendance as well as a care package including sardines, mayonnaise, noodles, and custard. 

Thanks in part to your ongoing support, the Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) team held another girls’ mentoring program at the end of November on the topic of mental health.  Twenty- five young ladies between the ages of 10-20 years old in Freetown attended the mentoring session.   Lunch and transportation were provided to the girls in attendance as well as toiletries including body splash, deodorant,  4 bars of soap, vaseline, toothpaste, and a toothbrush (pictured above).

Thanks in part to your ongoing support, the Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) team held another girls’ mentoring program on the topic of leadership and public speaking.  Twenty- eight young ladies between the ages of 10-20 years old in Freetown attended October's mentoring session.   Lunch and transportation were provided to the girls in attendance.

The guest speaker, Mrs. Dolly I. used the following points to engage the girls: