By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a heartfelt move to promote girls’ education and well-being, the Cline Town Educational Organization, in partnership with the Save Girls’ Education Project, held a transformative one-day workshop at Bishop Crowther School, Cline Town, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event, led by Yasin Bah, Chief Executive Officer of the Cline Town Educational Organization, brought together parents, students, and community leaders to address the pressing issues surrounding girls’ hygiene, education, and empowerment.
The workshop, themed “Supporting Girls for a Brighter Future,” was designed to provide both practical and emotional support to 70 vulnerable girls aged 9 to 16. Each beneficiary received a year’s supply of hygiene products — including sanitary pads, soap, and other essentials — as part of the project’s pilot phase. The initiative also included a cash support program through E-Money transfers to parents, aimed at reducing the financial burden that often keeps young girls out of school.
In her opening remarks, Valentina R.D. Oubee, Coordinator of the Save Girls’ Education Project, highlighted the importance of maintaining access to education, especially for girls in underserved communities like Cline Town. “Our goal is to keep every girl in school and to ensure that hygiene and health challenges do not become a barrier to learning,” she said. “This program is not just about giving materials; it’s about giving hope and helping parents take ownership of their daughters’ education.”
The project aligns closely with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Free Quality Education (FQE) initiative, reinforcing national efforts to improve access to education and gender equality in schools. Oubee emphasized that the initiative would continue for a full year, providing not only hygiene supplies, but also ongoing sensitization sessions for both parents and students. These sessions will cover topics such as menstrual hygiene, discipline, punctuality, and study habits.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Tsitsi Muvunzi, lead facilitator of the Save Girls’ Education Project, elaborated on the deeper vision of the initiative — to empower adolescent girls through awareness and mentorship. “We are targeting girls at a critical age,” she explained. “They must understand their rights, their responsibilities, and how to protect themselves. Our team of experts will conduct a six-month series of sensitization workshops addressing the Child Rights Act, the Sexual Offences Act, and topics around personal safety and self-confidence.”
Dr. Muvunzi noted that many girls in marginalized communities face multiple challenges — from early pregnancies to limited access to menstrual care products — which often lead to school dropouts. By combining financial, educational, and psychological support, she said, the project seeks to break that cycle and inspire girls to focus on their dreams.
Yasin Bah, whose organization has been at the forefront of youth and community development in Cline Town, expressed gratitude to the project’s partners and the parents who showed commitment to their children’s education. “Empowering girls means empowering our entire community,” he stated. “We must all take this project personally — as parents, as leaders, and as role models — to ensure that no child is left behind due to poverty or lack of support.”
The workshop concluded on an emotional note as Kadiatu Mansaray, a parent of one of the beneficiaries, gave a moving vote of thanks. “Before now, I struggled to afford pads for my daughter,” she said. “Today, I feel supported and proud. My daughter will go to school with confidence because of this program.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many in attendance — that sustainable change begins with compassion and community effort.
As the program enters its first year of implementation, organizers say they will continue to monitor the progress of the 70 beneficiaries, expand outreach to other communities, and strengthen partnerships that advance girls’ education.
In Cline Town, hope is taking root — one girl, one school, and one community at a time.