Did you know that our Founder and Executive Director, Ibrahim Kamara, has an inspiring story that began as a former child soldier in Sierra Leone? His journey from a war-torn childhood to becoming an advocate for education and empowerment is a testament to resilience and hope.

Ibrahim was born in the humble Makonkonday Village, where houses were built traditionally using mud blocks and thatch roofs. He fled his village during the civil war in Sierra Leone when he was around 9 years old. Tragically, he was abducted by rebel soldiers and then was taken to Freetown, where he escaped.

Like most people in rural Sierra Leone, Ibrahim does not know his age or birthdate.

When he was in school his teacher asked everyone for their birthdates. Ibrahim asked a friend, who thought his age was 13. Ibrahim was a little shorter, so decided his age must be 12. He and the friend each selected a month and day. Since that time Ibrahim has used 2/26/1990 as his birthdate.

Against all odds, Ibrahim pursued education, attending makeshift schools for war-affected children in Freetown. He next attended a municipal primary school in Congo Town, then secondary school, and then received his teaching certificate from the Freetown Teachers College. He is continuing to pursue higher education.

While in college, and after graduation, the only place he could afford to live was in the flood-prone settlement village. While living there, Ibrahim noticed that the children were not in school.

He founded Empowering Children School in Freetown in 2010, to ensure that the next generation of children would be empowered to pursue a better life.

The school began with only two students in a makeshift shelter. That school now enrolls 226 students, who consistently score high on national exams. He has since opened a second school in Newton, a remote rural village, fulfilling the dreams of 86 more children seeking education.

In 2017, Ibrahim witnessed firsthand the disastrous floods and mudslides that claimed over 1,000  lives. 

He saw many people who had lost everything they owned and were cold and wet. Corresponding with a friend in the US who asked what they could do to help, he replied, “The people are cold and wet. They need to get dry”.

Money was raised for a bale of clothes, and Ibrahim gathered volunteers to sort and distribute. From there the disaster relief program has grown to help over 100 families with food, dry clothing, raincoats, toiletries, and water. 

Ibrahim is constantly gaining new skills needed to support these communities.

In 2020 with schools closed due to COVID, Ibrahim started the sustainable agriculture program. Farmers are supported with seed and tool loans, and with training. This has required that Ibrahim become educated with best practices and latest developments in farming, to lead the program and develop climate resilience. 

Currently, he’s expanding this initiative to include poultry farming and plans for a food forest, tackling the ever-present issue of hunger in Sierra Leone. This is being supported by a very special donor.

Recent visitors suggested the idea of making a food forest, so he is currently learning about that. Growing crops and chickens is one way to combat hunger, which is an ever-present problem in Sierra Leone.  

Ibrahim is not just a leader; he’s a learner and a connector. Ibrahim recently joined the Couchsurfing community and hosts visitors from other countries. This has been a wonderful way to reach new connections and spread the word about the work being done by SHARP. The visitors have made wonderful contributions, including providing the students with field trips, hosting fundraisers, planting trees, giving expert agriculture advice, and even joining our board! 

In addition to his humanitarian work, Ibrahim is a talented author and musician.

His first book, The African Mosquito War, was entered in the North Street Book Prize contest, and placed 37th out of 1,862 entries!  All proceeds go to support the work of SHARP and Empowering Children School. Ibrahim has recorded several music videos and is currently working on plans to use these for fundraising.

Ibrahim embodies compassion and vision, tirelessly working for his community. With each donation, we can achieve greater heights together. Your support is crucial in helping us empower the next generation and provide resources to those in need.

Join Ibrahim on his Journey!

Donate: Every contribution, large or small, makes a significant difference.

Volunteer: Share your time and skills to help us achieve our mission.

Spread the Word: Share Ibrahim’s story and our mission with your network to inspire others.

Together, let’s create a brighter future for the children of Sierra Leone. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to this important work.