This campaign has now closed
As a result of war and extreme poverty over 90% of the women in the north of Sierra Leone have had little or no education. This puts them and their families at greater risk of sickness and disease because of poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition and unsafe activities, including unprotected sex. Moreover, they are open to abuse because they cannot count money, read notices and signs, or write their names; and they are unable to understand or help their children with their homework. Women also live in ignorance of their rights as wives, mothers and citizens. This project will provide functional literacy and healthcare education for 500 women farmers and petty traders from poor rural communities in two of the poorest districts of Sierra Leone, and leadership training for the most able women in each community.
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We will recruit and train local teachers in the techniques of adult learning (REFLECT) and set up and run learning circles in 50 communities in Bombali and Koinadugu to provide functional literacy and healthcare education for women. We will also coach the head women in each circle in leadership and advocacy so that they have the skills and confidence to communicate effectively on healthcare issues and women’s rights. At the same time we will mount a sustained information and sensitization programme (through village meetings and over the radio) to raise public awareness of women's rights and discourage practices that put women’s lives at risk. Partners: Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, Grassroots Empowerment & Education for Women Timescale: 4 yrs.