Freetown Mayor Inspires School Girls In Kabala
I had the privilege of engaging 150 amazing girls – our future leaders – during a YAS Girls Leadership Foundation visit to Kabala on Saturday 21st June.
The motto of YAS Girls Leadership Foundation is “Give her wings; Watch her fly”, because we believe that when the potential in each girl is released, the sky will be her limit.
During a session that was filled with fun, passion and excitement, I shared my experiences and my personal journey with the girls. Having asked them to share their ambitions and hopes for the future, I explained that their wings are (I) believing in themselves; (II) prioritizing their education; and (III) persevering through challenges. I encouraged them to use their wings to achieve their dreams.
The event provided a platform for the girls to talk about the challenges they face; ranging from the pressure of early marriage, teenage pregnancies, financial difficulties and peer pressure. In an emotional moment, Saio Marah, a blind pupil from Kabala Secondary School for Girls, explained that having worked hard under difficult circumstances, she had not been able to take the BECE exams because she didn’t have a typewriter.
The YAS Girls Leadership Foundation gives scholarships of NLe3000 each to the girls with the best BECE results and the best results from SS1 to SS2 in each of the participating schools. It is always a heartwarming part of the event, but this Saturday was particularly special. I was deeply touched when Dr. SS Marah and Mr Lawrence Teteh Kargbo spontaneously decided to provide additional scholarships of NLe3000 to Saio and Kumba (another blind pupil) to enable them to buy typewriters! The smiles on their faces when the announcement was made was priceless!
The impact of these sessions is hard to fully measure even though we collect data through perception surveys. But the text message I received on Sunday morning is all the encouragement that I need to continue to invest my time in this way. The text read “Good afternoon ma
Am Mariama S Bah, Head girl from Loma.
Once again thanks for everything ma. We really appreciate your hard work today. Indeed, there are girls that have lost hope because of so many challenges, and you have inspired us not to look low on ourselves, but to keep on the hard work no matter the challenges or the obstacle that we face”.
The 150 girls at Saturday’s event came from Kabala Secondary School, Loma Secondary School, Ahmadiya Secondary School and Kabala Secondary School for Girls. I would like to thank the school leaderships for their collaboration and support. I would also like to thank Dr. SS Marah for his inspiring statement. And I extend special thanks to my colleague District Council Chairman, Lawrence Teteh Kargbo, for his warm welcome and his hospitality as my host.
#GirlsEmpowerment
#GiveHerWings
#WatchHerFly
#HopeToReality
©️Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE