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. 

These events destabilize the education system, leading to schools lacking resources, solid infrastructure, and teachers. 

Develop Africa’s mission is to educate children, provide scholarships and school necessities. Through your support, we have provided basic school supplies to Sierra Leonean children. These supplies enable writing, art, and critical thinking skills for African students. Sufficient education and development of literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills equip the children to overcome poverty, and build a future for themselves and their country. 

Safiatu (pictured) is a girl who lives in Kamawornie village, a community where sometimes elementary children work on farms to support their family rather than attending primary school. 

“Develop Africa has done so many things for me, like school materials, school fees etc. I’m very grateful for that, thank you!” she says. Safiatu is one of many children impacted by the organization, and her story is an example of the growth and opportunity available for children. 

Donating to Develop Africa directly supports children like Safiatu, whose trajectory in life has been completely changed by having the opportunity to attend school and have the supplies needed.

By Virginia Smith  
 

Sources:

2019- 39% Primary students in Sierra Leone were able to reach Grade 6

Facts about Ebola Virus and Effects