These are two students whose lives changed because of sponsors like you. Not summaries. Not statistics. Their actual stories.

Franklyn's story

Sierra Leone: sponsored from age 9 through university.

Education from primary school to university

Franklyn was nine years old when Janet Tucker, a Develop Africa coordinator, noticed his situation. His mother was raising four children alone. The chance of Franklyn completing his education felt uncertain.

From that point, Develop Africa stayed. Throughout primary and secondary school, during the Ebola epidemic when schools shut down, and through the COVID pandemic, the support did not stop. When classes moved to radio broadcasts, Franklyn received a radio. When he needed to study at night, solar lights came in handy. When his mother needed stability to care for the family, she received business support.

Then came something no one had planned for. A cataract began growing in Franklyn's right eye. Develop Africa covered the surgery, the medication, and the corrective lens.

"Develop Africa stepped into my life at a time when I thought my educational journey was uncertain. Through it all, they have been that strong pillar."

Franklyn graduated with a diploma in Social Work. He then continued, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. Alongside academic support, monthly mentoring sessions brought in guest speakers who taught skills that went beyond what any classroom could cover.

He is now a graduate. He got there because consistent, practical support never stopped.

Franklyn Horton Narrates His Journey With Develop Africa

Isata's story

Sierra Leone: enrolled at age 11, cosmetology graduate 2026

From hawking charcoal to vocational training

Isata was eleven years old and had never been to school. Her family of eight lived in a slum dwelling in Freetown, struggling daily with no access to clean water or electricity. Her days were spent selling charcoal to help the family survive.

Janet, a Develop Africa coordinator, met Isata and her mother one afternoon at her compound. She asked why Isata was not in school, learned the family could not afford the fees, and enrolled her in the sponsorship program on the spot.

"Had Janet not enrolled Isata in school through Develop Africa's scholarship program, she would never have gone to school and would still be hawking charcoal with her mom."

Isata stayed in school for over a decade. She moved through junior secondary school, then into senior high school, preparing to sit the WASSCE examination. Along the way, she faced personal challenges, including a pregnancy that interrupted her studies, but she did not stop. She made a courageous decision to redirect into vocational training, enrolling in a cosmetology program while raising her young daughter.

In January 2026, Isata officially graduated. She now holds practical skills in hairstyling, hair care, and salon techniques and a clear path toward employment or her own business.

"This support changed my life and gave me new skills and new goals. Thank you for helping young people like me grow and move forward." — Isata

Isata Thanking Donors for Their Consistent Support

Small support. Real turning points.

Franklyn and Isata are two students. There are many more whose stories are still being written. A monthly contribution of $35 provides tuition support, learning materials, skills training, and mentorship.

Sponsor a student               See more stories

Develop Africa — empowering lives through education and self-reliance since 2006