Tragic Loss of Teacher

Sadly, in October Empowering Children School lost a beloved teacher.  Balla Thoronka, who taught grade 5, passed away suddenly. Mr. Thoronka was passionate about teaching his pupils and will be greatly missed. He was very good with math and especially enjoyed teaching the subject. Parents, students, and staff attended his funeral, along with many members of the community. Students wore their uniforms and participated in the ceremony to honor him.                                                                                                                              Balla Thoronka was campaigning to represent his constituency in the local council. If elected, he had planned to continue teaching at Empowering Children School, as he very much shared the vision of the school. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters. At the time of his death Mr. Thoronka was trying to secure funds for his daughter’s schooling. Her exam scores had qualified her for a top school in the area. Following the burial his wife visited the school, and we paid her daughter’s school fees, His daughter has now begun attending the school.                                                                                                                                    Balla Thoronka will be greatly missed and leaves behind a legacy of educating children.

Farm News:  The Rice Harvest Begins

Isatu and Musa Bangura are two of the most dedicated farmers we have ever met. This was their first time planting rice in the fertile swamp land of their farm. The crop was planted with a loan from SHARP’s seed bank. Seven farmers planted rice with loans from the seed bank this year, and they are now harvesting the crops. Isatu and Musa have four children, all in school.  They have had a good year, and the rice will provide income for their family. Ibrahim Kamara was on hand to help with the harvest.

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SHARP Board Meeting

SHARP held the end of year meeting for 2022 via Zoom on November 20th. All board members were present. Despite the challenges faced, and due to the generosity of donors, SHARP had a successful year. Teacher salary backlog has been paid, we began the process of obtaining nonprofit status, and we gained a new board member! Two hundred students are enrolled annually. There are 15 staff members, 4 international volunteer tutors, 24 students were promoted to high school, and 30 students attended on scholarship. The seed bank program supported 50 farmers, providing income for approximately 300 to 350 people. Disaster Relief efforts assisted 100 households of approximately 750 people. 

Also discussed was the budget for the upcoming year, fundraising, and the requirements of obtaining non-profit (501c3) status. If you wish to view the Google Slide presentation from the board meeting, you can access it here.

please Click Here to view BOARD MEETING Presentation

Thanks to all of our supporters around the world who make this possible. Because of you the world is a better place, and the future is brighter for these children.