Breaking the Cycle of Early Marriage

Empowering teenage mothers in Sierra Leone to return to education and build brighter futures

Every young girl deserves the chance to complete her education, regardless of the challenges she faces. Our re-enrollment initiative supports teenage mothers in breaking free from the cycle of early marriage and poverty through education and empowerment.

1000+
Girls Affected Annually
85%
Drop Out Due to Pregnancy
0
Current Support Programs

My Story, Their Future

From personal struggle to advocacy - how one woman's journey sparked a movement for change

"In Sierra Leone, when a young girl becomes pregnant, parents often give her away for early marriage. This is wrong. Pregnancy should not be the end of education."

I was fortunate. When I became pregnant after my first year of high school, my uncle refused to give me away for early marriage. Instead, he supported my dream to continue my education, even when it meant incredible hardship.

I sold charcoal to pay for nursing school. When that became impossible, I applied for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship that brought me to Rwanda. Here, I see young mothers continuing their education - something that seems impossible back home.

Sierra Leone Reality

Young girls who become pregnant are forced into early marriage, ending their education and trapping them in cycles of poverty and dependency.

Rwanda Inspiration

Here in Kigali, I see teenage mothers with two children still pursuing their education, supported by their families and communities.

Our Mission

Create advocacy programs that support teenage mothers in returning to school, preventing them from becoming liabilities and stopping men from taking advantage.

About Josephine Duba Kanu

Education

  • B.Sc. Software Engineering - African Leadership University
  • B.A. Nursing - University of Makeni (UNIMAK)
  • Full Stack Development - ALX Program

Advocacy Experience

  • Women Empowerment Initiatives
  • Maternal Health Workshop Programs
  • Youth Mentorship Programs
  • Community Health Education

The Crisis We Face

Understanding the scope and urgency of the teenage pregnancy crisis in Sierra Leone

39%
Teenage Pregnancy Rate
One of the highest rates globally
1,000+
Girls Affected Annually
In our target communities alone
85%
Never Return to School
Without intervention programs

Breaking the Cycle

When teenage girls become pregnant in Sierra Leone, they face a devastating reality: forced marriage, educational abandonment, and a lifetime of economic dependency. This cycle perpetuates poverty and limits opportunities for entire families and communities.

Our initiative aims to break this cycle by providing comprehensive support that enables young mothers to continue their education while caring for their children.

1
Teenage Pregnancy
2
Forced Marriage
3
Educational Abandonment
4
Economic Dependency

Our Comprehensive Solution

A multi-faceted approach to supporting teenage mothers in continuing their education

Educational Support

  • Flexible school schedules
  • Childcare during classes
  • Academic tutoring
  • Scholarship programs

Childcare Services

  • On-site nursery facilities
  • Trained childcare providers
  • Health monitoring
  • Early childhood development

Life Skills Training

  • Financial literacy
  • Parenting skills
  • Leadership development
  • Career guidance

Health & Wellness

  • Maternal health support
  • Mental health counseling
  • Nutrition programs
  • Family planning education

Implementation Timeline

1

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-6)

Establish partnerships, secure facilities, recruit staff

2

Phase 2: Pilot Program (Months 7-18)

Launch with 50 participants, refine processes

3

Phase 3: Scale Up (Months 19-36)

Expand to serve 200+ young mothers annually

Support Our Mission

Help us break the cycle of early marriage and empower young mothers through education

Funding Requirements

$150,000 3-Year Program
Educational Support
$60,000
Childcare Services
$45,000
Life Skills Training
$30,000
Operations
$15,000

Individual Donors

Every contribution makes a difference in a young mother's life

$25 $50 $100 $500

Corporate Partnerships

Partner with us to create lasting change in communities

  • Brand visibility opportunities
  • Employee engagement programs
  • Impact reporting

Grant Opportunities

We're actively seeking foundation and government grants

  • Education-focused foundations
  • Women's empowerment grants
  • International development funds

Get In Touch

Ready to support our mission or learn more about our initiative?

Email

josephine.kanu@example.com

Phone

+250 XXX XXX XXX

Location

Kigali, Rwanda

Freetown, Sierra Leone