The civil war in Liberia from 1989 to 2003 was marked by acts of extreme brutality. More than half the population fled their homes, and 250,000 people died.
Children were the worst affected by the conflict. They were kidnapped, forced to take up arms, used as sex slaves, and denied their rights. Life has been hard for them, but particularly for girls, who remain at the bottom of the social ladder.
'Without the help I've received I would have been in the position of many Liberian girls who often have to resort to prostitution to provide for themselves and their families,' said Nyanpu who has benefited from the project. Read her story.
This project will repair and refurbish a girls' school in Paynesville, one of the poorest suburbs of Liberia's capital. School buildings are in disrepair with overcrowded classrooms, limited play facilities, and no toilets or safe drinking water.
The 550 pupils struggle to pay for school fees, and there is a high drop-out rate of girls who, without qualifications, are unlikely to make a living in a country with 85% unemployment.
The project will support girls by repairing and rebuilding their classrooms, installing a water and sanitation system, and constructing a safe playground. IT training, health education, life skills, and mothers' and girls' clubs will be established.
In addition, 200 scholarships will be given to the girls in most need so that they will be assured of school fees, uniforms and books.
Without an education the girls of Liberia and Sierra Leone stand little chance in the future. By donating to the Girls' Fund, you are helping to provide the tools they need to pull themselves out of poverty.
