Education is not just a basic human right — it is the cornerstone of socioeconomic development and the most powerful tool available for breaking the cycle of poverty in Sierra Leone.

At Develop Africa, we recognize that providing quality education to children is both a moral imperative and a strategic investment in Sierra Leone's future. When children are educated, they unlock their potential, strengthen their families, and contribute to the development of their communities and their nation. Education is their most reliable pathway out of poverty — and one of the most powerful forces for gender equity, economic mobility, and social cohesion available to any society.

According to UNESCO, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of educational exclusion of any region in the world. Over one-fifth of children between ages 6 and 11 are out of school. One-third of youth between ages 12 and 14 are not enrolled. And nearly 60% of youth between 15 and 17 are not in school. In Sierra Leone, the barriers are compounded by financial hardship, lack of school supplies, insufficient infrastructure, and the particular challenges facing girls.

Develop Africa is working to change that — one student, one classroom, and one community at a time.

Taking Comprehensive Action

Develop Africa's education programs encompass a range of interconnected interventions designed to promote access, quality, and equity at every level of schooling in Sierra Leone.

Educational Support and Scholarships — Scholarships and sponsorships make it possible for bright young minds to stay in school. Support covers tuition, books, after-school tutoring, school supplies, uniforms, and other school-related costs. When a student receives a scholarship, they are less likely to drop out — and more likely to complete their education, sit their WASSCE exams, and pursue higher education or vocational training. Since 2006, Develop Africa has awarded more than 1,260 scholarships to students who would otherwise have no access to school.

• Focus on Girls' Education
• School Supplies
• Books

Photo album: 142 beneficiaries received tuition support and school supplies for the 2023–24 school year 

Higher Education — In Sierra Leone, most first-year university students must pay full tuition at the start of the academic year. For most families, this requirement is impossible to meet. Develop Africa supports current college students, recent WASSCE graduates applying to colleges, and students approaching college eligibility — ensuring that the path from secondary school to higher education remains open rather than financially blocked.

Mentoring — Mentoring plays a pivotal role in student development. Our mentoring program connects youth with trusted adult guides who help them build confidence, set goals, develop life and financial skills, and stay motivated through the challenges of school. Mentoring sessions also address health education, family engagement, and strategies for keeping girls in school and delaying early marriage — giving students not just academic support but the resilience to stay the course.

Digital Skills and Computer Training — Computer proficiency is essential for participation in today's economy. Our curriculum covers introduction to computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and a hardware and networking course — equipping students and professionals with the foundational digital skills that open doors to employment and entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone's growing digital economy.

Vocational and Workforce Training — Not every pathway runs through a university. Develop Africa sponsors young people — particularly young women — who are admitted into vocational and technical training programs including cosmetology, tailoring, and other trade disciplines. We cover training fees, provide startup kits and essential tools, and walk alongside graduates as they transition into self-employment and economic independence.

Child Sponsorships — Sponsoring a child provides the continuity of support that transforms outcomes. When you sponsor a child, your contribution funds their education — covering tuition, supplies, and the sustained encouragement that keeps students enrolled and progressing year after year.

Teachers and Classrooms — We equip classrooms with desks, chairs, chalkboards, chalk, teaching supplies, and books. We provide teachers with salary stipends and ongoing professional development. And we invest in the school infrastructure that makes learning possible. In 2022, construction began on a three-room nursery school in Kamawornie — completed in early 2024. In 2026, we partnered with the Pa Karim Memorial Foundation to open the Mama Gbessay Memorial Junior Secondary School in Magbakoli Village, serving nine communities and over 1,500 future students.

Long-Term Impact

By investing in education, we are investing in the future of Sierra Leone. Education equips individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. It fosters social cohesion, cross-cultural understanding, and healthier communities. It empowers women to break free from oppressive gender norms and contribute meaningfully to society. It gives children the tools to rise above poverty and become independent, informed decision-makers — who then contribute to their families, communities, and nation.

The students we supported as children are now graduates, breadwinners, and community contributors. Girls who received scholarships have completed secondary school and entered further training and employment. The evidence is clear: sustained educational investment creates change that compounds across generations.

Education is not a privilege. It is a fundamental human right — and at Develop Africa, it is the foundation of everything we do.

You Can Help — Invest in Education

Your donation matters to young, eager scholars and their communities. Every contribution — no matter the size — removes a barrier, restores dignity, and opens a door that would otherwise remain closed.