By Tamba Abdulai (YES 2013-14) from Sierra Leone placed by AYUSA in Greeley, CO)

Through the YES program, I was inspired by the spirit of volunteerism I saw in schools, churches, hospitals, and community events across my host community. Returning to Sierra Leone, I had a renewed vision: to give back to my community and support those in need, especially young girls who face numerous barriers to education. Recognizing the challenges for girls in my district of Kono, Sierra Leone, I established the Tamba Abdulai Foundation, dedicated to helping vulnerable girls overcome these obstacles.

In my community, I saw firsthand the issues holding back girls in the education system. Many families struggled financially, and they are unable to afford basics like uniforms and school supplies. Parents often lacked awareness of the benefits of education due to low literacy rates and beliefs that prioritized early marriage over schooling for girls.

In 2024, with support from Upgrade for Africa, philanthropic organization based in Florida, and Les Pastras, a small company based in France, the Tamba Abdulai Foundation launched a scholarship program to make education accessible for the most disadvantaged girls in Kono. This project supported 48 young girls across various primary and secondary schools in the district for the 2024-2025 academic year. The scholarship covered essentials such as uniforms, shoes, backpacks, notebooks, pens, and even portable solar lights—a vital resource in a community where electricity is scarce.

Beyond providing school supplies, I saw the need for community education. I organized several training sessions for over 200 parents from 10 different communities, educating them about the importance of girls’ education and Sierra Leone’s recent Anti-Early Marriage Act. These workshops sparked discussions on the benefits of schooling, shifting perspectives, and encouraging parental support for girls’ education

As part of the project, we provided 30 benches and desks to K.E.E.C. Primary School in Gbukuma, where about 25% of our scholarship girls attend, and supplied necessary stationery for the students. We also repaired the school’s broken hand pump, ensuring students have access to clean water—a important step toward improving the learning environment.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Upgrade for Africa, Les Pastras, and everyone who contributed towards this year’s activities. Many thanks to the YES program for giving the opportunity to attend the 20th YES Anniversary in Washington which allowed me to reconnect with friends in Tampa, Florida, who were moved by my passion and contributed funding to the scholarship program.