By: Audrey Raymonda John
In a powerful celebration of girls’ empowerment and leadership, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has awarded twelve scholarships to young girls from Bombali and Tonkolili Districts. The initiative was launched through her leadership organization, the YAS Girls’ Leadership Foundation, established on 1 January 2022 to inspire girls in Sierra Leone to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential.
The scholarship award ceremonies were held in Makeni City (Bombali District) and Magburaka (Tonkolili District)*, bringing together six schools, each represented by 50 girls. The participating schools included:
Saint Joseph’s Senior Secondary School, Makeni
Rogbaneh Government Municipal Girls Secondary School
FAWE Senior Secondary School for Girls (Bombali District)
Government Secondary School for Girls, Mathora
Saint Joseph’s Secondary School for Girls, Magburaka
Missionary Church of Africa (MCA), Magburaka (Tonkolili District)
The theme for this year’s school tour, “Lead Like a Girl: Unlocking Powers to Make a Difference,” highlighted the importance of empowering girls to overcome life’s challenges and unlock their leadership potential. The slogans “Give Her Wings” and “Watch Her Fly” served as motivational calls, encouraging the young participants to dream big and aim high.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the keynote speaker, delivered inspiring remarks on the significance of leadership, confidence, and perseverance among girls and young women. She was joined by several notable local officials, including *Mr. Abu Bakarr Kamara, Mayor of Makeni City, and Madam Yabom Sesay, Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, along with local councilors, headteachers, and teachers.
Their collective messages emphasized support for gender equality, the importance of girls’ education, the need to end early marriages, and the fight against bullying. These calls to action underscored the vital role of community support in nurturing the ambitions of young girls.
The events were notably interactive, with open discussions and Q\&A sessions encouraging the girls to express their aspirations, share ideas, and engage with role models. The platform provided opportunities for skill-building, leadership development, and confidence-building.
Throughout the engagements, a strong emphasis was placed on mentorship, education, and community involvement as key pillars in empowering young girls. The aim was not only to celebrate their potential but also to inspire them to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s efforts demonstrate a committed drive toward a future where girls are empowered to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Her leadership in organizing this tour reaffirmed her dedication to gender equality and the belief that girls are powerful agents of positive change.
The successful school tours in Makeni and Magburaka mark a significant step forward in the empowerment of girls in Sierra Leone. With vibrant participation, impactful speeches, and a unifying vision, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr continues to lead the way toward a more inclusive and equitable future where every girl has the wings to fly and the opportunity to lead like a girl.