Youth Movement for Sustainable Development Sierra Leone (YoMSuD-SL)

The Enrolling Out-of-School Vulnerable Children to Community Schools project has achieved remarkable milestones since its inception. In the 2022/2023 academic year, the first cohort of children was enrolled, and we are proud to announce that 8 of them were promoted to various levels—4 receiving double promotion to Primary Three,  and the other 4 advancing to Primary Two. This progress reflects the hard work and dedication of the children, our team, and the immense support of our sponsors. A special thanks to Uzeralanai Bynum and our generous sponsors for this project, whose continued sponsorship have been instrumental in shaping the success and impact of this project. Their support has provided essential school materials, including books, school bags, uniforms, lunch bowls, pens, pencils, erasers, and coverage for school condiment fees and other charges, making education accessible to vulnerable children, orphans, and children with disabilities. While we face challenges such as limited resources and growing demands, we remain committed to mobilizing the necessary support to enroll the next batch of children. This project serves as a beacon of hope for those whose parents are unable to afford school, helping them to secure a brighter future. We are proud of our achievements and grateful for the unwavering support of our team and Sponsors.

Before our youth-led organization began its advocacy and awareness campaign on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights (ASRHR), teenage pregnancy, early forced marriage, Sinkunia chiefdom and the entire Falaba district were plagued by these issues. Teenage pregnancy, girls dropping out of school, and SGBV were rampant, perpetuating a cycle of gender inequality and marginalization. Through community mobilization efforts and with women and girls leading the forefront, we initiated awareness campaigns and advocacy programs. Today, we observe a positive shift in community attitudes and behaviors towards gender equality. Our initiatives have resulted in tangible outcomes, such as sending 25 teenage mothers back to school in the first year alone. Over the years, six of them met university requirements and secured enrollment in public universities, supported by our sponsors and donors.  As awareness grows about the importance of girl child education in rural communities, more marginalized girls aspire to return to school.  This places additional pressure on our organization, viewed as a beacon of hope for these marginalized individuals. Despite the challenges, we are encouraged by the increasing desire of these teens and vulnerable children to pursue education, seeing our organization as a catalyst for realizing their academic dreams.

Engaging adolescent girls in social activities is paramount for their holistic development. At YoMSuD, our recent outing day exemplified the transformative power of fun-filled experiences. As the girls indulged in laughter, enjoyed a pool swim, savored delicious food, and danced to uplifting tunes, a sense of camaraderie and belonging blossomed. Social activities provide a friendly space for learning and self-discovery, breaking down barriers inhibiting the girls' potential. Through shared laughter and joy, they built bonds of sisterhood and confidence. The outing wasn't just a day of leisure; it was a catalyst for empowerment. By fostering a family-like atmosphere, we've created a supportive environment where these girls feel cherished, supported, and encouraged to explore their capabilities. This sense of belonging enhances their self-esteem, making YoMSuD not just an organization but a second home.  As they continue to learn, grow, and thrive, these girls carry the invaluable lessons of camaraderie and self-confidence into every facet of their lives. Rasie Bamigbade Guler Cortis Juliet B. Munica Green, CPC,RH-CBS, Author Alicia Clark Marcia T. 🇮🇱 Sheeba Thomas 🎯    

Let's break the silence and build a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Act today for a more inclusive tomorrow.   #BreakBarriers #GenderEqualityNow