The 11-year conflict in Sierra Leone not only destroyed school buildings and infrastructure, but also left orphans and war-affected children who have no means to pay school fees. An estimated 431,000 children are out of school, the majority of whom are girls.
'My parents were killed during the war, when I was three. I was taken by the rebel soldiers. First I carried supplies. When I reached puberty I was abused, as all the girls were. Now I am at secondary school, but cannot afford the fees. I want to finish school so I can become a lawyer and make something of my life,' said Hawa, a 17-year-old former child soldier.
Many girls live in female-headed households where they are either the sole breadwinner, or play an active role in sustaining the home. If they do go to school, the dropout rate is high, caused largely by their many responsibilities.
This project will support vulnerable girls in the Kailahun district of Sierra Leone by establishing a boarding home where 30 girls will live in a nurturing environment. The home will have health services and monitoring facilities for general wellbeing and development. School fees will be paid, and necessary books and materials provided.
A further 60 girls from very poor female-headed households will gain scholarships to allow them to continue their education. School uniforms, books and materials will be supplied, and lunch provided to keep them alert and active in school, and to assure them of at least one meal a day.
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.
