End-of-year news
Hello,
As another year draws to an end, I wanted to write to say a huge tenki - thank you - for your support in 2025. Whether you donated, attended an event, or simply cheered us on from the sidelines, your generosity has made a real and lasting difference. Thank you.
Over the past 12 months, we were lucky to work alongside over 300 young mothers, helping them continue their schooling, pursue vocational training, earn an income, build peaceful relationships with their families, and so much more.
As one young mother told us: ‘This support has changed my life. I now stand tall in my community. I can look after my child. I am no longer invisible.’
In this short end-of-year update, we are proud to share the journeys of five of these young mothers - Aminata, Tiangay, Hawa, Janet and Nancy - who are rewriting their futures on their own terms. Because with the right support, anything is possible.
Thank you for being part of it.
Aminata weaving country cloth on a traditional loom at her training centre
Weaving a pathway to independence
Aminata was just 18 years old when she became a mother for the first time. She had also been forced out of school and her family home due to the pregnancy. When Andreta, our lead social worker, met her, she was frustrated but determined to find a way forward.
She became the first young mother on our project to join a full-time weaving course, learning to make country cloth - a beautiful traditional Sierra Leonean fabric woven by hand.
Within just a few months of graduating, Aminata was producing her own designs, taking orders across her community, and earning enough to support her child. Soon after, she began teaching weaving three days a week, passing on a skill that has been handed down through generations.
Aminata is no longer seen as a dropout, but as a leader in her community. She tells us: ‘I really admire myself now. I can support my child and myself, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.’
Tiangay, Janet and Hawa at their workspace
Sewing a brighter future, together
When Tiangay first joined the AdAmi Project, she was earning a menial income selling vegetables and picking stones at a local mine. ‘It wasn’t easy for me,’ she says.
Joining the project at the same time were Hawa and Janet. Each experienced difficult pregnancies and long periods of uncertainty. What they shared was determination, and a mentor they affectionately call ‘Auntie Fatmata.’
‘She used to come and encourage us,’ Janet explains. ‘She didn’t give up on us.’
After two years of tailoring training, all three are now earning an income. They work side-by-side from the veranda of a house in their village. They help each other finish orders, share ideas, and lend money for fabric when one falls short.
‘We’re not doing it alone,’ says Hawa. ‘We support each other.’
They tell us that children’s clothes sell best - especially at Christmas. ‘Now we can sew our own children’s clothes too,’ Janet says proudly, with a smile.
For them, the biggest change isn’t just the money. ‘Before, I had nothing,’ Hawa says. ‘Now I can look after my child. My future is bright.’
Nancy at her university lecture room in Bo
Nancy’s social work journey begins
You might remember Nancy - we’ve shared her story in past newsletters. Having successfully completed her secondary school with an AdAmi scholarship, she’s taken another big step forward.
Nancy is now at university, studying to become a social worker. She is one of six young mothers currently supported by AdAmi to pursue university degrees. Alongside her studies, she continues to work from the AdAmi office as a peer mentor, supporting other young mothers through school, work and early motherhood.
Each week, Nancy visits girls at school and at home, encouraging them to keep going when things feel hard. ‘Some of them think their life is over,’ she says. ‘We tell them the truth - that it’s not easy, but a brighter future is possible.’
And Nancy is proving just that. Once she’s finished her degree, Nancy hopes to return to AdAmi as a full-time social worker in the team. ‘I know I will succeed. I will dedicate my life to this work.’
Young mothers gather at the monthly Circle of Confidence event
Looking ahead
Over the coming year, we will continue working alongside young mothers to help them build happy, healthy and independent lives.
We are preparing to launch a capital appeal to build a permanent home for the Community Girls Network. This will be a special moment for the girls and communities who have worked so hard to build up the network from a seed of an idea back in 2010. Alongside this, we are exploring opportunities to expand our work into new rural areas where there is significant unmet need.
We’re excited to share more updates and developments on this in 2026.
Mentor Doris, on site at the Community Girls Network farm
Will you join us in creating lasting change?
If you’re already a regular donor to our work - a padi - thank you. Your generosity is changing lives and opening new opportunities for young mothers every day.
If you’d like to join our community of supporters, a one-off or regular donation as a padi will help us expand our reach, strengthen communities, and ensure no young mother is left behind in 2026. Every contribution makes a real difference.
Thank you for your support. We wish you a joyful festive season and a happy new year!
Kirsty and the AdAmi team x
