September Update: A New School Year Begins

Vocational students celebrating the start of the new school year

Schools across Sierra Leone opened their doors on Monday for the new academic year. For AdAmi, it means welcoming 65 new young mothers into the project and supporting many more as they continue their education or training with us. From classrooms to tailoring shops, it is the start of an important new chapter as they take brave steps towards a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Andreta, left, with young mother Messie and her son

Meet Andreta: Guiding young mothers back into education

To mark the start of the school year, we spoke with Andreta, our Senior Social Worker and Deputy Manager, who has been a key part of AdAmi for many years.

What led you to become a social worker?
‘I have always been passionate about helping others. Even as a child, friends would bring me their problems, and I would try to counsel and support them. I thought I would become a lawyer, but I realised my natural skills in counselling could be used to help in society – that led me to social work.’

What is your approach to the work?
‘I go above and beyond. Sometimes this means literally saving lives – like a baby I noticed was sick when visiting one of the young mothers. I persuaded the mother to take her child to hospital, and the doctor said the baby would not have survived without urgent care. I also advocate for children to access healthcare that should be free, but is often blocked in practice.’

What do you love most about your work?
‘I love the impact we create. It is about showing young mothers love, respect and support, when society has so often rejected them. Seeing their lives transform is the most rewarding part.’

Messie (right) with her aunt and son. With an AdAmi grant, they expanded a small trading business selling charcoal and other goods in their community.

A story of hope: Messie

One case Andreta recalls with pride is Messie, who joined AdAmi last year. When she first enrolled, Messie was deeply depressed. Living with her aunt in Bo, she was denied the chance to go to school while her cousins studied. Instead, she worked long days selling food while also caring for her baby boy.

With AdAmi’s support, Messie returned to school and began attending life skills sessions. The team also worked with her aunt to rebuild trust and ensure she received proper care. This week, Messie walked back into the classroom at the start of a new school year - stronger, more confident, and ready to keep learning.

For Andreta, the fulfilment comes from seeing young women like Messie flourish: ‘It makes me so happy to see their lives change.’

Andreta, centre, leading a life skills session at the office

Looking ahead

With schools reopening across Sierra Leone, we celebrate the courage and determination of every young mother taking their next step in education or training. We are excited for the year ahead – with new opportunities, new challenges, and so much potential.

Thank you to all our supporters who make this journey possible. Together, we are helping young mothers rediscover confidence in themselves and their futures.

Here’s to a new school year!

P.s. And for those closer to home - we’d love you to join us at our pub quiz in London on Wednesday 8th September. It’s a chance to come together, test your trivia, and raise funds in support of the AdAmi Project. Email kirstywood@adamiproject.org to book your spot!