She said during her days she was able to accomplish great things as a result of the well-rounded education she received in her formative years of schooling in the country.
HAFG is working towards helping girls that their parents can’t afford tuition and learning materials. While primary schooling is free, secondary education is not.
She said academic underachievement of students who do not perform well on the primary exit examinations are unlikely to be accepted into a Junior Secondary School and the emphasis on male education means that families often elect to invest more heavily in the education of male children.
“Sexual exploitation of girls reaching puberty, resulting in teenage pregnancy or early marriages has unfortunately become very prevalent, and we need to get them back in school, irrespective of the child.”
The founder said the economy in Sierra Leone is set to improve and without education the distribution of wealth will still be skewed, especially against women. “There is desperate need for well-rounded education and thereby empowerment of girl children in Sierra Leone, such that they can be assured of a brighter future.”
Mrs. Aliea Kamara averred that when completed, HAFG will be a formal six years of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) primarily for girls from less privileged backgrounds.
“Targeted girls will be those who are either on the verge of dropping out or have already dropped out as a result of underachieved grades, financial constraints, abuse and exploitation. These risk factors will form part of the criteria for new intakes.”
Mrs. Kamara said due to the ebola outbreak, the project was delayed and they have started working again and they are still looking out for funds for the completion.
She said they have formed a closed partnership with the local community, offering space and resources to develop much-needed skills, especially amongst the female population.
“I am determined to do whatever I can to help change the current dynamic and ensure that every girl at HAFG receives the kind of education that I received, and as a result, is assured of their value and ability to make meaningful contribution to their community and the country.”
Currently, three classrooms, the general toilet, administrative building and the front shop are in one block that is almost completed. The land for the other classrooms and cafeteria has been cleared and the construction will soon start.