On Friday 11th February, the YAS Girls’ Leadership Foundation rolled out it’s first project; “Give Her Wings, Watch Her Fly” school tour. The school tour, funded by the Center for International Reproductive Health Training, seeks to engage young girls on various issues including leadership, the power of female voices and how issues affecting health and mental-well being can be addressed. The first stop in this 6-month school tour cycle was Kambia District. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr Mayor of Freetown, accompanied by Port Loko Councillor and popular musician Ms. Natasha Beckley, spoke to female students from Kollenten Secondary School, Sunday Girls Foundation Secondary School and Linda Koroma Secondary School.
During the interactive sessions with the girls, discussions focused on the many challenges they face – they mentioned early marriage, teenage pregnancy, lack of financial support, sexual harassment, victimization, conflict between studies and domestic responsibilities. They expressed their dreams to become lawyers, doctors, teachers, astronomers and presidents! The session reaffirmed the commitment of the foundation to ensure that the women and girls who make up 51% of Sierra Leone’s population, can fulfill their potential. The girls agreed on three “Wings” needed that will allow them to fly:
1. #Believe in yourself
2. #Prioritize education
3. #Persevere through challenges
The session ended with a live music performance of the song specifically developed for the school tour project by Ms. Natasha Beckley.
The YAS Girls Foundation would like to say thank you to the Chairman of the Kambia District Council, all the teachers and and principals of the schools, but most especially to the young girls who are so passionate about their futures and making their mark in Sierra Leone.
