For Abu Sesay, who lives in Newton Village, attending Empowering Children School is life-changing. Before this, receiving an education had not been possible for him, just like his parents and grandparents. Without the ability to read and write, there are few employment opportunities and no chance to change their circumstances. Families are caught in an endless cycle of poverty.
Ibrahim Kamara, founder of Empowering Children School, recently had the opportunity to visit with Abu in his home and spend some time talking with him. Abu lives with his 4 younger siblings and his stepfather, who is the father of the four siblings. All of Abu’s siblings except the youngest attend Empowering Children School.
The family farms for food and income. After school and on weekends Abu helps on the farm. Abu’s mother recently left the family, and he now has the added responsibilty of caring for his younger siblings when his stepfather works on the farm. The youngest sibling is two. Sometimes his stepmom, who lives nearby, comes to help but the responsibility is often left to Abu.
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Abu cares for his two-year-old sister
Children living in poverty face many challenges.
As the children in the village come together at school, teachers and administrators are learning about their lives and the difficulties they face. Hunger is a big problem in the village, as it is for much of the country of Sierra Leone.
Adults who cannot earn an income or feed their families often become so hopeless and discouraged that they abandon their children. Still, there are many very good people, like Abu’s stepfather and stepmom, who are willing to step up and care for children who are not their own.
Abu and his stepmom with cassava
Imagine not knowing when you were born.
Although Abu is in the 6th grade, he does not know his birthhdate or how old he is. When asked, he replied, “I do not know my age.”
For families in remote areas of rural Sierra Leone, mothers give birth at home as they are too far from a clinic. Parents are not able to read or write, so the births are not recorded. Amongst all their other responsibilities, parents forget as time passes. Therefore, most children here do not know their age or birthdays.
As they grow older and encounter situations where a birthdate is needed, families make a good guess. This is just one of many reasons why education is so important for these children.
Abu says he is happy to be going to school, and happy to be learning.
Before Empowering Children School came to his village, Abu attended a school in town briefly. He was not able to continue going because the distance was too far and his family does not have transportation.
Abu has goals for his future, now that he can see opportunities. Abu wants to be an attorney. Like most children, he enjoys socializing with his friends at school and playing different ball games. Abu says he is happiest when he is at school. He is grateful for the opportunity to learn, and realizes the impact this will have on his life.
Abu in his new school uniform.
Abu learns to speak English.
Children In Newton Village speak a local dialect; most speak Temne and Krio. Although these languages are a part of their culture and important for them to speak, because they are only local to the area, it limits their opportunities outside of their village.
English is taught at Empowering Children School and Abu is learning the language. This is one of the main reasons we have children begin school with us in pre-k. Younger children are able to learn languages much more easily. For these children, the ability to speak English gives them a better chance at becoming a successful adult.
Abu shares his challenges and fears.
Abu spoke with Ibrahim about his greatest challenge and his fears. Abu’s greatest challenge is the uncertainty of his current family situation and he fears this will affect his schooling. He did not mention hunger as a challenge. It is something he has always lived with, as a part of his daily life.
To break out of the cycle of poverty and have opportunities to earn an income and feed themselves, education is absolutely essential.
SHARP is committed to providing a quality education with 21st century skills that will enable the children we serve to pursue their goals and dreams. It is our mission that each child will be able to feed themselves and their families, and not have to live with hunger.