My Story

In Sierra Leone, many children particularly the most vulnerable in far-to-reach communities do not have access to pre-primary education and early childhood care services as a result of constraints to funds, unlimited supply of services and entrenched social norm practices relating to parenting. This is further compounded with the lack of the human attributes including good nutrition and consistent health care that do not only encourage children to learn in early years of life but also help them to do better at school, become healthier adolescents, have higher earnings throughout adulthood and increase their participation in society through improved and meaningful learning outcomes. There are many children including orphans and those living with disability that could be seen roaming the streets either begging or engaged in laborious task for their livelihood. There are others in the mines working alongside with adults in mineral exploration; and most of whom have the potential to acquire knowledge and skills through formal or non-formal education but lack support, care and attention due to abject poverty encompassed with the lack of shelter, clothing and health care. Evidently enough, children particularly in the rural communities face multiple barriers to enjoying their right to quality education. As many under five in most deprived communities go on foot to access elementary education, irregularity and non-punctuality remain a common phenomenon about their attendance.