By: Abu H. Kargbo
Women Forward Sierra Leone has provided educational packages to 32 children from Mafonikay and Yelisanda communities in Bombali District to support their education and help address barriers faced by vulnerable children.
The learning materials were distributed on Thursday, September 24, 2026, benefiting pupils at both primary and secondary school levels. The beneficiaries included 30 girls and two boys living with disabilities.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Women Forward Sierra Leone, Hannah Browne, said the organization prioritized girls because of its commitment to promoting education and advancing the rights of women and girls.
“We believe in the power of education to ensure women realize their potential, and that’s why we prioritize girls in this package,” Browne said.
She explained that the beneficiaries were selected following a survey conducted by the organization to identify the most vulnerable children in the two communities.
Browne said the educational packages included exercise books, pens, pencils, geometry sets and toiletries, among other learning materials. She added that the organization plans to extend the initiative to other parts of the country in the coming years.
She further described Women Forward Sierra Leone as a student-led organization committed to promoting education, agriculture and climate justice.
Browne also announced plans to introduce a monthly support package for disadvantaged children and establish a weekly mentorship club focusing on hygiene, early marriage and female genital mutilation.
“We’re looking forward to the support of philanthropists and donor organizations to make this a reality,” she appealed.
Isatu Fornah, a parent of one of the beneficiaries, described the support as a relief, saying her financial difficulties as a widow had made it difficult for her to afford learning materials for her child.
“This is a lifeline support, and God has materialized my fervent prayers through your organization,” Fornah said.
She pledged to monitor her child’s academic performance and expressed hope that education would help improve their living conditions.
Kadiatu A. Kamara, a pupil of Community Junior Secondary School, Yelisanda, also thanked Women Forward Sierra Leone for providing the learning materials.
She said the support had brought smiles to the beneficiaries and pledged to reciprocate by working hard and achieving good academic results.
The educational support complements the government’s Free Quality School Education programme and its radical inclusion policy.