September 2022 News Update
Back to School for the AdAmi Girls
After a long summer break, the young mothers are preparing to return to school and their learning centres on Monday 5th September. This year we will be supporting close to 100 young mothers with scholarships, uniforms and learning materials, as well as childcare and transport allowances where needed, in order to remove the financial and practical barriers that they face in returning to and remaining in education. As usual, we will continue to also provide ongoing mentoring and life skills sessions to the young mothers throughout the year.
A Fond Farewell to Beth and a Warm Hello to Mariatu
In July, we said farewell to the wonderful Bethany Davies, who has led the local AdAmi Project team in Bo for the past two years. We will miss her sorely as both a colleague and friend, but of course she will remain part of the AdAmi family for many years to come.
Mariatu Bargie will be stepping up to take over as our new Head of Programmes and Operations in Sierra Leone. Mariatu is already a familiar face to the AdAmi team, as she has worked alongside Beth since the get-go to help establish and grow the project. With a degree in Finance and as a young Sierra Leonean woman and mother, Mariatu brings a wealth of skills, experience and passion to the role. We can’t wait to work alongside Mariatu as the project enters a new phase in its journey.
Life Skills Graduation Celebrations
In July, we celebrated the graduation of 19 young mothers from our life skills education programme. For the past 18 months these young mothers have attended weekly life skills sessions at our offices in Bo, where they have explored a whole range of topics, from family planning to confidence.
These sessions have proven vital in equipping the young mothers with the skills and knowledge they need to make more positive and informed life choices. The sessions have also really helped to increase their confidence. Some used to be shy about talking or expressing themselves, but by the end of the 18 months, the sessions were full of lively discussion and laughter. The young mothers will continue with their vocational training programmes until the end of the year.
Meet Haja
When Haja first began life skills sessions, she was shy and too embarrassed even to give her name. But through mentoring and encouragement, Haja’s confidence has skyrocketed and she is now one of the most vocal participants in the programme.
Haja has become a vibrant young woman who always has a smile on her face. She attends her vocational training regularly and is working hard towards her life goal of becoming a tailor.
Young Mothers Take the Lead
The local Community Girls Network, an initiative led by the young mothers of Bo to raise awareness and support for their rights and the rights of other girls and young women in their community, has continued to go from strength to strength over recent months. Activities are now in full swing with the young mothers regularly delivering educational and awareness campaigns on the issues affecting them and their communities. Recent topics explored include child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Kadiatu, one of the leaders of the group notes: “Women should not rely on men. We don’t want to be a liability. Let’s be strong and stand on our own two feet.” She, together with the other young mothers, is using her voice and influence to encourage other young mothers to continue their education and training, and to build more independent futures for themselves and their children.
Support our work
DId you know it costs just £100 a year, less than £10 a month, to support a young mother to return to school? Our work is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters and we would love for you to consider making a gift towards our work today. To do so please visit our donation page.
Thanks for reading :-)