The mentoring program took 47 students (28 girls & 19 boys) on a field trip to York Village. Thanks in part to your support, each attendee received a take-home package of cornflakes, 1 roll of powder milk, one packet of sugar, and packets of biscuits. Transportation and lunch were also provided to the beneficiaries. York village is recognized for its diverse historical content. The King’s Yard was the first site that was visited, then the tour guide took the mentoring attendees to the York cave where slaves were kept to be transported to Europe during the slave trade era. The Town Hall was the final spot that was visited and the tour guide explained the history behind the construction and purpose of the Town Hall. All of the students enjoyed the field trip and were grateful that they could attend and learn on this field trip. Your continued support is greatly appreciated as it will enable more mentoring sessions and educational resources for the future leaders of Sierra Leone. If you haven’t had the chance to sign up for a recurring donation yet, we warmly welcome your ongoing support.
Hallmark Safety sends school supplies to Kamawornie, Sierra Leone
The Develop Africa team and kids at Kamawornie village in rural Sierra Leone extend their deep gratitude to the Hallmark Safety team and staff for providing backpacks with water bottles and solar lights. The kids were delighted to receive these supplies that will empower their education.
One of the beneficiaries expressed the following during the distribution: “My name is Mariama Jalloh. On behalf of all of us here, I want to thank Vern Pollard and everyone at Hallmark Safety Limited for providing us with this supply. Thank you, May God bless you.”
85 Students Learning Microsoft Office Programs
Currently, there are 85 students attending computer classes at the Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) Computer Lab. There will also be two more classes added in the next month for Hardware and Networking and for the Microsoft Office package. The students are at varying levels in their computer training, which includes Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Classes are set up so that everyone has access to their own computer and are available at varying times and days depending on the group each student is in. There are 41 students learning how to use Microsoft Word and then they will move on to Microsoft Excel. There are 31 students currently in the Microsoft Publisher class and they will move on to Microsoft PowerPoint next. There are 13 students learning how to use Microsoft PowerPoint; they are currently working on PowerPoint animations (text and object). This particular class will be certified with a certificate of completion following this class. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support for the future leaders in Sierra Leone. Thanks to you, more youths and young adults are getting the computer training they need for success in today’s technology-driven environment. Our recurring donors are truly making a lasting difference for these future leaders in Sierra Leone. If you haven’t had the chance to sign up for a recurring donation yet, we warmly welcome your ongoing support.
Science Lab Supplies Distributed to Secondary School
The Develop Africa Sierra Leone team visited the Services Secondary School and distributed science lab supplies for the students. In Africa, most especially in Sierra Leone, science students have been challenged with a lack of proper laboratory equipment in carrying out practicals and experiments. During the distribution, the Program’s manager, Abu, told the pupils to put the equipment to good use and make sure not to allow the challenge of life to stop them dream big. He said- Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. They say education is the key to success, that is what people usually say but I would always say education is a poor man’s friend. The fact that you are from a poor background like mine does not stop you from dreaming big. So, what we are doing today, is to create a platform for you to understand that, we always have something to give back to society irrespective of our backgrounds. Your story must be different and that is why we are encouraging you all. This is just the beginning of what probably we could do depending on how far you guys will put this to use. All of us here have the opportunity to achieve our dreams if we set our eyes on the big goal, it might be tough, it might be difficult, it might be unexplainable, but if you are determined you will make it. Life is always going to challenge you, so my encouragement is when life challenges you to move to another next level, you can surpass that challenge. Work hard, study hard, and you will be the next scientist that will change the narrative of this country. You could be the next scientist that will change the narrative of Africa, you could be the next scientist that will change the narrative of the world, we are counting on you. As an organization, we are proud that we could come alongside you and help. Both the Principal and students were very grateful to the Develop Africa Sierra Leone team and donors for the generous donation of science lab supplies as they are very needed in Science Lab. Your support for the future leaders in Sierra Leone is greatly appreciated.
Ballusa’s Ready to Study
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. Thanks to generous donors like you, tables and chairs have been provided to several students, from less privileged families, so that they can study at home safely, effectively, and comfortably. One of the students that recently received a desk and chair is Ballusa, who is in her first year of Junior Secondary School (JSS1). She enjoys studying, dancing, and playing with her friends. She hopes to become a nurse when she grows up. She was very grateful to receive the desk and chair to help her study and do her homework after school. Ballusa expressed her gratitude saying- Thank you Develop Africa and donors for supporting me with this study table and chair. Thank you. Thank you for your ongoing support towards empowering and educating girls in Africa. You are truly making a difference for girls with your generous support. Please share this with your contacts and invite them to consider supporting this ongoing project.
Girls Mentoring on Adolescence and Relationships
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. The guest speaker discussed the definitions of adolescent, adolescence, puberty, reproduction, and relationships, the physical and chemical changes and characteristics of adolescence periods, and adolescent reproduction and relationships. The attendees were encouraged to ask questions, share their feelings, and confide in their parents or other trusted adults when they need help. Thank you for your ongoing support towards empowering and educating girls in Africa. You are truly making a difference for girls with your generous support. Please share this with your contacts and invite them to consider supporting this ongoing project.
Celebrating Girls’ Education-Marian is Thankful
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- Hi, my name is Marian, I am a beneficiary of Develop Africa. I strongly agree that gender equality today guarantees a sustainable tomorrow, equality in providing both boys and girls education. I want to say a very big kudos to Develop Africa for providing education for girls like me and for the scholarships and for all the mentoring platforms. I want to make a very big shout out to women around the world who are working tirelessly to see that the young girls of this generation are being educated. Thank you so much! You are truly making a difference for girls, like Marian, with your generous support.
What is Time Management?
The second boys’ mentoring program was held in February at the Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) Computer Lab. A total number of 25 boys attended this session. Watches were distributed among mentees as a take-home package and transportation, food, and drinks were also provided to the boys. The topic of this session was time management because it became apparent that it was a needed tool at the previous mentoring session as mentees arrived late due to morning errands and poor time planning. The speaker asked the attendees: What is Time Management? Tips for Time Management: Why Time Management? Individual Plans for 2022: Benefits of Time Management: The speaker then asked the mentees to write down their goals for 2022 and present one of the goals to the class. He also advised the boys to learn to manage their time and remove non-essential tasks or activities and focus on things that are beneficial to their studies, that would positively improve their lives. He said that the key reason for success is that of time management and the difference between successful individuals and non-successful ones is that of proper time management. Your continued support is greatly appreciated as it will enable more boys’ mentoring sessions and the educational resources they need to become the future leaders of Sierra Leone. If you haven’t had the chance to sign up for a recurring donation yet, we warmly welcome your ongoing support.
Afterschool Classes for Students in Kamawornie
The students and principal in Kamawornie village express their gratitude to Develop Africa for their support with the extra classes organized for the children after school. These afterschool classes do not cost the families anything thanks to generous donors like YOU. The principal expressed his sincere gratitude for the afterschool classes in this video- I am Sorie, the Principal of Kamawornie Evangelical Junior Secondary School and also a teacher at the Develop Africa children’s Lessons that are usually organized in the evening hours 4-6pm. We are very happy because, before this time, children were really suffering for classes, they go to other classes in which their parents have to pay huge amount of money. But since Develop Africa came in to help, today the children attend classes every day and we have seen lots of changes. Before, they could not read and write by themselves, but today, they can read and do their assignments at school and home by themselves. We want to thank you very much. Thank you! Your support is truly helping these future leaders with their education!
International Women’s Day-Empowering Young Women through Mentoring
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’.” One of the ways you are helping support gender equality and empowering young women for a sustainable tomorrow is through girls’ mentoring sessions. The Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) team held 8 girls’ mentoring sessions in 2021 and 2 in 2022 so far and there are 6 more scheduled for 2022. Each mentoring session includes lunch and transportation as well as a care package for each of the young women in attendance. In 2021 the mentoring sessions covered adolescent reproductive health, dental hygiene, entrepreneurship, peer pressure, leadership, public speaking, mental health, and career talk. In 2022 the mentoring sessions will cover self-esteem, setting goals, time management, adolescent reproductive health & relationships, smart thinking and leadership, personal hygiene and self-care, financial literacy & debate. Each topic covered empowers the young women in attendance giving them the tools to become empowered women. These empowered women will make an impact on their families and for future young women. We celebrate these upcoming leaders on International Women’s Day and look toward a sustainable tomorrow. Thank you for your support towards empowering and educating girls in Africa. You are truly making a difference for girls with your generous support. Making a monthly donation is the most effective way to help girls get their education, but every dollar donated makes a difference!
Computer Classes are learning Microsoft Office
The Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) computer lab currently has 72 students taking classes. There are 3 different batches of students at various levels in their computer training, which include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Classes are set up so that everyone has access to their own computer and are available at varying times and days depending on the group each student is in. The first class has 22 students who are currently working on Microsoft Word. The second class has 21 students and is currently working on Microsoft Access. The third class is made up of 29 students and is working on Microsoft Publisher. Your support for the future leaders in Sierra Leone is greatly appreciated. Our recurring donors are truly making a lasting difference for these future leaders in Sierra Leone. If you haven’t had the chance to sign up for a recurring donation yet, we warmly welcome your ongoing support.
New computer lab launched at rural school thanks to your support
We are super excited to report that computer training has started a new computer lab. This computer lab is located at the Kamakwie Wesleyan School, in Kamakwie. Kamakwie is approximately 168 miles from Freetown (the capital city), population (around 8000). Many youths in this community have never had access to any computer training – making this an ideal location for this intervention. Last month, teaching commenced at the computer lab with enthusiastic support from the children, teachers, parents, and community. Currently, the children are receiving an introduction to computers / basic computer training. The lab was set us as part of a partnership between Develop Africa and Gen Hybrid Systems, LLC. We are very excited about this opportunity to empower the youths and prepare them for success in our computer-driven society. This training will provide the foundation and the vital proficiency needed for future success. Your donations will help to cover the cost of chairs, an overhead projector and other equipment we need to enhance learning. Thanks to you, more youths and young adults are getting the computer training they need for success in today’s technology-driven environment. Our recurring donors are truly making a lasting difference for these future leaders in Sierra Leone. If you haven’t had the chance to sign up for a recurring donation yet, we warmly welcome your ongoing support to continue to provide children in Sierra Leone with the educational resources they need to be the future leaders of Sierra Leone.
Canadian Student Made & Donated 50 Reusable Sanitary Pads
We are truly grateful to Catherine, who reached out to Develop Africa asking if she could make a difference for girls in Africa. Catherine Bormotko is a high school student located in Canada. She had commonly heard the phrase ‘I hate being a girl’ and wanted to change that. In January of 2022, she created “All Girls Pad” which is a non-profit organization run by students from all over the world that has several concepts. They sew their own eco-friendly, reusable, and handcrafted pads. They are constructed with cotton fabric and towels. They also have a part dedicated to educating people about women across the world, whether it’s about their rights, current events, the reality that women endure that we don’t talk about, and so on. Imagining girls not having essential products at the tip of their fingertips is what drove Catherine into founding “All Girls Pad”, she wanted to become a first-hand contributor to those in need. She is now collaborating with multiple non-profits to distribute pads to over 10 different locations. Her goal with making these pads was to provide, support, aid, empower, and encourage the leaders of tomorrow. She hopes that now at least one girl can say, “It’s not that bad being one.” Her generous donation of 50 reusable sanitary pads will make a lasting difference for the girls in Freetown, Sierra Leone. We are so thankful for Catherine’s generous support! More photos are available in this album
Education on an Empty Stomach
Every donation received makes a difference for the future leaders in Sierra Leone. The support received has helped students with school supplies, books, tuition, uniforms, transportation, and school lunches. Alusine is so thankful for the school lunches he is receiving saying it has helped him greatly in his academics. Previous to the school lunches he used to come to school on an empty stomach which was affecting his concentration and ability to learn. Since he started receiving his lunch support from Develop Africa he can now concentrate in class and focus on his education. He expressed his gratitude in this video saying- Hello, my name is Alusine. Thank you for supporting me with lunch. With the school lunch, I can now concentrate in class. Thank you for your support! Your support is truly helping, Alusine, and the other future leaders in Sierra Leone stay healthy and get their education. Quality education will help these future leaders rise above poverty, become independent and better decision-makers. It will bring lasting empowerment and definite change. Our recurring donors are making a continuous impact, which provides consistent educational support to students in Sierra Leone. If you are not yet a recurring donor, we warmly invite you to consider setting up a recurring donation.
Girls Mentoring on Self-Esteem & Setting Goals
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: • Definition of self-esteem and goal setting • What is self-esteem and what is not self-esteem? • Important of positive self-esteem and goal setting • How to develop positive self-esteem • Examples of life goals • Goal setting – using the SMART acronym During the mentoring session, the guest speaker asked some of the girls to act plays in demonstration of positive self-esteem. Similarly, she asked the girls to use the smart acronym to state examples of academic goals. Five girls set smart goals that focused on having requirements in the West African Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE). The guest speaker was impressed with the boldness of the five girls and their understanding of the topic discussed. Thank you for your ongoing support towards empowering and educating girls in Africa. You are truly making a difference for girls with your generous support. Please share this with your contacts and invite them to consider supporting this ongoing project. Making a monthly donation is the most effective way to help girls get their education, but every dollar donated makes a difference! If you are not yet a recurring donor and would like to sign up for a recurring donation go here.
63 Families Received Extra Support in 2021
COVID-19 made getting an education even more challenging for future leaders in Sierra Leone in 2021. One of the ways your generous support helped these future leaders in 2021 was by providing families with food support. Your generous support helped support 63 families in Freetown, Makeni, Bo, and Kamawornie who each received a bag of rice, one gallon of cooking oil, and onions. We are so thankful for your generous support this past year! In 2022, we will continue to provide families with extra food support as needed so that future leaders can stay focused on their education and not hunger. Our recurring donors are making an ongoing difference and are helping meet the educational needs of the future leaders in Sierra Leone. If you are not yet a recurring donor, we invite you to consider becoming a recurring donor. Click here to set up a recurring donation for future leaders.
Develop Africa and GenHybrid Launch a Computer Lab Providing Training to Youths in Sierra Leone
In 2021, through this partnership, Develop Africa and Gen Hybrid Systems, LLC set up a computer lab at the Kamakwie Wesleyan School, Kamakwie Sierra Leone. Kamakwie is approximately 168 miles from Freetown (the capital city), population (around 8000). Many youths in this community have never had access to any computer training – making this an ideal location for this intervention. In January 2022, teaching commenced at a computer lab with enthusiastic support from the children, teachers, parents, and community. Currently, the children are receiving an introduction to computers / basic computer training. Develop Africa and Gen Hybrid Systems are very excited about this opportunity to empower the youths and prepare them for success in our computer-driven society. This training will provide the foundation and the vital proficiency needed for future success. About Develop Africa: Develop Africa was born out of the vision that human resource development is the key to improving nation-building capacity in Africa. We strategically empower lives in Africa by providing educational opportunities and strengthening self-reliance so that individuals, families, and communities can create positive change in their own lives. Website: www.DevelopAfrica.org About Gen Hybrid Systems, LLC: About Gen Hybrid Systems, LL, founded by Chris Gardner, was formed with the goal to promote autonomous learning, with the utilization of traditional face-to-face instruction concurrently with online teaching. In today’s fast-paced technology-oriented environment, students independently discover an array of information ranging from world issues to fashion trends, with an inclination towards matters that pique their interest. Embracing a student-centric environment allows a relationship where teachers are mentors instead of authoritative figures. The Hybrid learning experience cultivates flexibility and versatility that encourages pupil aspiration. Website: https://genhybridsystems.com Photos of the youths learning on the first day: https://bit.ly/new-lab-day-1 View press release on PRLOG
Fifty-Three Solar lights Distributed in Sierra Leone in 2021
One of the challenges these future leaders face is not being able to study at night due to no electricity. Solar lights are very instrumental in providing some sort of electricity to homes in deprived communities in Sierra Leone. It helps students to study at night (most especially in homes where there is no national electrical power) and make good grades in school. In 2021, fifty-three solar lights were distributed to students in Sierra Leone. Twenty-three solar lights were distributed in Freetown and thirty in Kamawornie village. Feedback received by the students indicates that the solar lights have been very helpful to all. In 2022, Develop Africa’s goal is to purchase and distribute 100 solar lights to students in Sierra Leone. We are so thankful for your generous support this past year and ask for your support again this year to help purchase and distribute 100 solar lights this year. The future leaders in Sierra Leone are also so thankful for your support. You can help achieve the goal of purchasing and distributing 100 solar lights by donating here or by purchasing the solar light from our amazon wish list- here Our recurring donors are making an ongoing difference and are helping meet the educational needs of the future leaders in Sierra Leone. If you are not yet a recurring donor, we invite you to consider becoming a recurring donor. Click here to set up a recurring donation for future leaders.
190 Mosquito Nets Distributed in 2021
In Sierra Leone, research has proven that one in every two children under the age of five admitted into pediatric care is affected by malaria. Mosquito nets create an effective barrier and provide protection from mosquito bites for two years hence preventing Malaria and reducing the burden of Malaria in Sierra Leone. Thanks in part to your ongoing support, Develop Africa distributed 190 mosquito bed nets treated with insecticide to families in Sierra Leone in 2021. Among the 190 mosquito nets distributed, 100 mosquito nets were distributed to children and families in Freetown, Bo, and Makeni, and 90 mosquito nets were distributed to pupils at the Stella Maris Primary School and Morthain community. Your continued support is appreciated as we strive to provide 300 children/families in Sierra Leone with protective long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in 2022. Every donation received helps purchase more mosquito nets and saves more lives. If you are not already a recurring donor you can start a monthly recurring donation here.
