A few years ago, in Dankawali Town in Northern Sierra Leone, seven-year-old Feremusu’s family struggled to meet their most basic needs. With limited resources, attending school seemed like an impossible dream. However, everything changed when ChildFund’s support arrived in the form of a Designated Fund Certificate (DFC) from Feremusu’s sponsor.
Feremusu’s mother, Fatmata, used the funds to invest in small-scale livestock, purchasing sheep, goats, and fowl. What began as a modest investment has since grown into a vital livelihood, with the family now owning five goats and two sheep.
The impact of this support became even clearer when Feremusu’s twin brother, Lansana, fell seriously ill with chronic malaria. Admitted to Kabala Government Hospital for two weeks, Lansana needed urgent treatment. To cover the medical costs, Fatmata made the difficult decision to sell one of the family’s sheep for Le 600. She allocated Le 400 for Lansana’s hospital bills, while the remaining funds were used to buy school supplies—including shoes, bags, books, and pens—for both Feremusu and Lansana.
“Now things have improved,” Fatmata said. “I could never afford to send my children to school before. With this help, my children are now in school.”
ChildFund’s intervention not only provided immediate financial relief but also empowered the family to build a more sustainable future. With access to both healthcare and education, Feremusu and her brother now have opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
A Teacher’s Journey: From Sponsored Child to Community Leader
Abu Yainkain Marah’s life was shaped by hardship and resilience. Orphaned during Sierra Leone’s civil war, he lost his mother early on and his father in 2002, leaving him and his seven siblings to fend for themselves. By 2005, ChildFund stepped in through its sponsorship program, changing the course of his life.
With support from ChildFund and Daindemben, a local partner organization, Abu was able to re-enroll in school. The DFC he received once a year covered his school fees and essential supplies. In 2009, he passed the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) and began junior secondary school in Mongo Town. However, hunger forced him to leave Mongo, and he later continued his studies in Kabala Town.
Through careful saving, Abu used his DFC funds to pursue higher education, eventually earning a Higher Teachers Certificate (HTC) in Social Studies and Government from EBK University in Makeni. Upon graduating, he returned to his village to give back, volunteering as a teacher at the community school.
“I dream of serving ChildFund as a full-time staff member to contribute to the good work they do,” Abu shared.
Beyond education, the DFC has played a crucial role in Abu’s personal life. When his home collapsed one night, leaving him and his family homeless, he used the funds to construct a four-bedroom house in his village. He also supports his wife and two children, with plans to invest in a fuel business in Kabala Town.
Despite his challenges, Abu remains committed to his community. He currently teaches junior secondary school students, many of whom recently passed the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) with outstanding results.
From a struggling orphan to a dedicated teacher and role model, Abu’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of targeted support. Through education, resilience, and strategic investment, he is not only changing his future but also shaping the lives of the next generation.
Empowering Communities, One Child at a Time
Stories like Feremusu’s and Abu’s highlight the lasting impact of ChildFund’s support. By providing financial aid, education, and economic opportunities, the organization continues to empower families and individuals across Sierra Leone, ensuring that children can dream, learn, and thrive.
