100 young people from the former war-displaced community of Grafton, Sierra Leone, marked the culmination of a two-year journey. On November 30, 2024, they graduated from an intensive skills and education program implemented by We Yone Child Foundation in partnership with CoDWeLA, with funding support from the Consortium for Street Children and BFSS UK.
This program represents more than just an educational milestone—it is a lifeline for one of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable populations.
A Community’s Struggle
Grafton’s history as a haven for those displaced by Sierra Leone’s civil war continues to cast a long shadow. Families in this community face relentless socio-economic challenges, leaving many children without access to education. A staggering 40% of children in Grafton have dropped out of school, and 30% have never enrolled, according to a 2020 report by We Yone Child Foundation.
For older youth past school-going age, the barriers are even greater: many are illiterate, untrained, and unable to envision a future beyond survival. The program sought to break these cycles, addressing not only educational deficits but also the deep trauma many of these children carry.
Building Futures Through Holistic Support
This innovative initiative tackled the root causes of educational and social exclusion with a comprehensive approach, focusing on trauma-informed care and practical skills training. The program highlights included:
Trauma-Informed Training: Educators, youth leaders, and vocational trainers received specialized training to support children affected by abuse and violence.
Literacy and Vocational Skills: 100 youth gained critical literacy and numeracy skills alongside hands-on vocational training to prepare them for employment.
Peer Advocacy: Twenty graduates were equipped to serve as community advocates, promoting education and supporting their peers.
Girls’ Empowerment: Fifty girls received reusable menstrual pads and sexual and reproductive health education, improving their chances of staying in school.
Collaborative Learning: A ‘Working Group on Education’ was established to share insights and tools with the Consortium for Street Children’s global network.
Transformation in Action
The program’s impact is already evident. Graduates are stepping forward as leaders in their community, advocating for education and creating pathways for others to follow. One graduate shared, “I used to feel like I had no future. Now, I can dream again—I have skills, confidence, and hope.”
Towards a Brighter Tomorrow
This project underscores the potential of focused, collaborative interventions to address systemic issues. By empowering individuals and communities, it has created a foundation for sustained change. The story of these 100 graduates is not just one of personal triumph; it is a testament to the power of education to heal, uplift, and transform.
As these young people embark on the next chapter of their lives, they carry the promise of a better future—not just for themselves, but for their entire community.
This milestone serves as a powerful reminder that with the right support, even the most marg
inalized can rise, thrive, and lead.
