We support two vocational colleges in Sierra Leone, one in Waterloo, on the outskirts of the capital city Freetown, and one in Kenema, to the Eastern Province. These colleges empower women to learn a skilled trade, become financially independent, grow in self-esteem, and become role models in their communities. Women are often expected to stay at home, marry, raise children, and depend financially on men. They are frequently discouraged from working and not taken seriously when they do. Low self-esteem, abusive relationships, and reliance on unsafe work to make ends meet are common consequences. Here, practical skills and business support are often the best route to earn a living. If students cannot commit to a full 15 month course, they can learn one stand-alone skill in one to two months. Courses include practical skills such as cake making and decorating, makeup artistry, and Microsoft Office — helping women widen their opportunities and boost their income. Our support doesn’t end at graduation. Graduates join a growing network of former students and teachers, with an annual gathering to stay in touch and share experiences. For most graduates, the goal is to set up their own business – but with limited capital, this can be a significant barrier. That’s why we aim to provide every graduate with a starter pack of essential equipment and materials, giving them everything they need to begin trading straight away and grow their businesses. You can donate a business starter pack through our donation shop for £100. Many of our students are mothers of young children. Our on-site nursery means that pre-school children are cared for safely during the day, freeing their mothers to focus on their studies. The nursery isn’t just childcare — the children follow their own programme of early literacy and numeracy, so the whole family benefits from a day at college.
Sia attended a training college to learn tailoring. Informal vocational skills training is a lifeline for many students like Sia who, for various reasons, never graduated from secondary school. The training centre focuses on practical skills and becoming financially self-sufficient. For more women to attend the colleges, we need more sponsors. Sponsoring a student costs £25/month and helps cover the costs of materials that she needs for her course. Will you be our next student sponsor?
Vocational Colleges
Vocational Colleges Change the Story
Short Courses
Business Starter Kits
Nursery
ordinary people can
make a big difference
It costs £25 per month to support a student to complete a vocational skills course and give them the skills to succeed.
Sponsor a student
sponsor a student
