Introducing Our New Mission Statement and Programme Goals
It has been almost three years since the AdAmi Project launched its programme in Sierra Leone. Starting as a small pilot with 25 young mothers, we have grown to support over 100 girls each year thanks to the hard work and commitment of our implementing partners and volunteers, and the generous support of our donors. We are proud of everything we have achieved so far, but know there is still so much to do!
A huge amount has changed in these three years
As an organisation, we have learned a great deal and are continually evolving our programmes to ensure that we are staying true to our values and, most importantly, that our work is transforming lives.
Externally, the landscape in which we work is also quickly evolving. The idea of the AdAmi Project was first sparked when two girls known to the founder - Adama and Aminata - were thrown out of school for becoming pregnant. At the time there was a nationwide ban on all pregnant girls attending school - a shocking disregard for their rights and dignity - but thankfully this ban has now been lifted and there appears to be much greater political will in supporting young mothers to complete their education.
Whilst fortunately Sierra Leone has had relatively few cases of Covid-19, the global impact of the pandemic has had an adverse effect on our work. The funding landscape is highly unpredictable and competition for funds has never been greater. More than ever before, we need to stand out from the crowd and show donors that investing in us is a sure way to make a difference.
Reflecting on our journey so far and the road ahead
In March, the AdAmi Project’s trustees and volunteers came together for a virtual workshop, with the goal of taking a deeper look at our existing mission statement and programme model, and exploring possible tweaks and adaptations to ensure that it truly reflects the goals and ambitions of the project. Following a number of follow-up sessions, we are now excited to share with you our new mission statement, key intended outcomes and programme priorities.
Introducing our updated mission statement…
Working together with young mothers in Sierra Leone to lead happy, healthy and financially resilient lives
Our new key intended outcomes…
Young mothers have increased knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed and positive life choices
Young mothers complete a basic education or vocational training
Young mothers achieve greater financial resilience through business training and support
Communities provide a supportive and safe environment for young mothers to succeed
Our new programme priorities…
Education - we work with young mothers to complete their basic education
How:
Providing back to school kits and materials (uniforms, text books, stationery)
Paying school fees and for extra classes, where needed
Providing childcare where required
Employment and enterprise - we work with young mothers to gain the skills, resources and confidence needed to enter employment or engage in business
How:
Arranging vocational training scholarships at local workplaces and centres, and supporting with the cost of fees and equipment
Delivering business and financial literacy training and support
Providing non-repayable small business grants
Group enterprise initiatives
Mentoring and life skills training - we work with young mothers to grow in confidence and self-esteem, and to have the knowledge and skills they need to make informed and positive life choices.
How:
One-on-one and group mentoring
Weekly life and health skills education sessions
AdAmi Girls Network and peer mentoring programme
Building supportive communities - we build safer and more supportive communities by challenging negative stereotypes and by raising support for the rights and talents of young mothers.
How:
Family tracing, mediation and reunification support
Family and community engagement
Grassroots advocacy and awareness raising through the AdAmi Girls Network
Our ultimate aim is unchanged: we exist to work with young mothers in Sierra Leone to build a brighter future for themselves and their family. The funding we receive will always go towards this end. But we want to continually reflect on how best to support the young women we work with, learning from the past, and responding to changes in the surrounding environment. Our new mission statement, intended outcomes and programme priorities are based on everything we have learned over the past two years and will guide us to deliver more targeted and more impactful programmes.