Founder

Founder

SRI guess you could refer to me as someone who has achieved a certain level of success.

I was fortunately born into a very educated (“middle class”) family. I could finish my undergraduate degree in Sierra Leone without thinking about or worrying about how my expenses would be paid.

I came to the USA in 1995 and was fortunate enough to complete my MBA in 1998. I started a full-time job the same year, and life continued to improve.  I started pursuing the American dream and checking off items on my dream/bucket list.     

However, during a trip back to visit family and friends in Sierra Leone, I was impacted by the images of street children in Freetown who were begging for money. I had the opportunity to observe many families that were barely surviving. Kids and youths were dropping out of school and unable to advance their educational dreams. 

I resolved that I could at least make a difference in one life. One life at a time. Subsequently, Develop Africa was registered as a 501c3 nonprofit in 2006 in Tennessee, USA.

d

I started fundraising, and seeing kids stay in school was a joy. For some kids, such as Isata (photo on the right), our efforts helped her start school.  She was previously helping her mother sell firewood/charcoal. For others, such as Thomascia (from a single-mother home), we were able to help keep her children in school - particularly after her mother passed away. 

l wanted others to have the same great foundation my parents provided. I wanted them to have the opportunity to complete their education - at least to a bachelor’s degree - if this is what they desired and were capable of.  Alternatively, I wanted to allow them to complete an apprenticeship, learn a trade or start a business, and Complete the required steps to become empowered and independent. 

It was so fulfilling to realize that our efforts were making a difference. Our impact was a “game-changer.” We provided the vital support the kids, youths, and families needed. Because of our intervention, the course of their lives was positively redirected.  The beneficiaries created positive change in their lives through the opportunities and resources we provided. Their lives were truly never going to be the same.

This brought me so much fulfillment to me.  I discovered one of my life’s purposes.  We were making a meaningful, tangible, and life-altering difference!

All has not been a bed of roses. It has been a challenging and arduous journey.  There were many moments when I felt like giving up. In the darkest moments, I felt frustrated because we were not gaining as much traction as an organization as I desired. 

Building an organization takes time. It takes blood, sweat, and tears.  It takes commitment.  It's a learning process that involves mistakes. It requires humility, transparency, and a willingness to "wear different hats" / occupy different roles. You must be able to do things you are uncomfortable doing. It requires grace.

Keeping my eye focused on the goal and encouraged by the progress that we had made over the years; I redoubled my efforts during the pandemic.  We are much more robust, and our recurring monthly donations are increasing. Develop Africa has been a top-ranked organization on GlobalGiving for several years.  Every week, we are being approached by new organizations and businesses proposing partnerships. The possibilities are endless, and we are growing steadily. The future of millions of lives will be brighter - because the future of Develop Africa as an organization is brighter each day.

I am committed to the vision of empowering lives in Africa.  Over the years, we have keenly understood what it takes to empower lives strategically. Our team has been carefully put together over the years. We are passionate about making a difference as a team (members in the USA and Sierra Leone). We are stronger than we have ever been.

 

SR

Above photo: Providing hands-on computer training at our first Excel training session at the Stadium Hostel in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2006
 

Random Facts About Sylvester

  • I love watching professional tennis matches.
  • I was an avid table tennis/ping pong player as a teenager.  
  • I have modeled in a photo shoot as a medical doctor.
  • I started wearing glasses at an early age.
  • I have been referred to by friends and family members as a "Professor" and "Diplomat" - though I am yet to achieve those positions.
     

Join me in making a difference:

Since Develop Africa was launched in 2006, I have invested countless hours and many weekends into building the organization to where it is now.  I have spent many vacation days (from my daytime job) at the Develop Africa offices in the USA and Sierra Leone. I have ignored and set aside several opportunities so that I could attend to Develop Africa’s growing needs. I have personally donated and invested thousands of dollars. 

I have a dream. I dream of a day when kids and youths in Africa will be unlimited. I dream of a day when they will be able to be all that they want to be. 

Your partnership can help us continue to make that come true. One child at a time.

Will you join me today?

Thank you for coming alongside me as I invest my time and ability in empowering African lives. I sincerely appreciate your support.

Support Sylvester

 

link

 

button

 

Featured Videos

In May 2021, Sylvester had the opportunity to share as a panelist on a show with Dr. Nancy Sulla on the topic "How Women Impact Economies." Fueled by the phrase "Women hold up half the sky," it discusses why ensuring women are empowered to work and earn a living is essential.
Watch on YouTube
SR
 

In April 2021, Sylvester participated in an International panel discussion hosted by Xcelerate NC.  
Topic: "Education In The Times Of The Pandemic And The Way Forward."See a PDF summary of Sylvester's comments
Watch on YouTube

 

Back in 2008. Melissa Hipolit of WHJL-TV, a local TV station in Johnson City, Tennessee, interviewed Sylvester. He explains how he started to Develop Africa out of a desire to help empower lives in Africa. When people complete their education, they will be in a better place to contribute to national development.

 

Books by Sylvester Renner
 

Sticks in a Bundle Cannot be Broken

Buy n Amazon Buy eBook on Amazon / For Kindle
Buy eBook on Smashwords (Multiple formats)

 

 

How Mr. Cat Fell Out With Mr. Rat and Other Stories:how mt cat fell out with mr rat 10 Stories That Teach From Africa

 

Buy on Amazon Buy eBook on Amazon / For Kindle
iBookStore Buy on iTunes / for iPad
Buy eBook on Smashwords (Multiple formats)

 

 

 

Families in Sierra Leone face unprecedented challenges due to rising costs. Inflation makes it difficult for them to afford basic food staples such as rice, cooking oil, and onions.

Extending a helping hand can alleviate a significant burden and provide essential relief to the less fortunate.

Help provide relief by donating today!

Help provide relief food

Give the Gift of Joy This Holiday Season 🎁


You can light up a child's life in Africa this holiday season. Imagine the joy of a young girl opening her very first book or a boy receiving a backpack filled with school supplies to fuel his dreams. For many children, a holiday gift isn't just a moment of happiness – it’s a message of hope, love, and possibility.

At Develop Africa, we believe every child deserves to feel special, especially during the holidays. But for too many children in underserved communities, the season comes and goes without even a small token of celebration. With your help, we can change that.

A donation of just $25 can provide a meaningful gift – a backpack, school supplies, or even a toy – to a needy child. Your generosity will show them that someone far away cares deeply about their future and happiness.

Make this holiday season unforgettable for a child. Please donate now to our Holiday Gift for a Child campaign and be part of a life-changing moment. Together, we can spread joy, ignite hope, and make the holidays magical for children in Africa.