Child Sponsorship

Youth in Sierra Leone, who make up over 60% of the population, face significant risks of exploitation and abuse both physically and online. Many are exposed to sexual violence, child labor, early marriage, and gender-based violence, with limited protection due to weak laws and poor access to support services. The rise in internet use has also led to new threats like cyberbullying, sextortion, and online grooming, exacerbated by low digital literacy. These challenges hinder young people’s ability to thrive and contribute to national development, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protection systems and safe spaces.

With this in mind, Isam Ghanim, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ChildFund International met face-to-face with a group of inspiring young people who are driving change and building the future of their country. As part of his visit, the president sat down with youth leaders to hear their stories—stories of courage, advocacy, and change. These young people have been working closely with ChildFund on important issues like ending violence against children, protecting the environment, policy advocacy, among others.

Youth Advocacy in Action Caring for the Environment

One by one, the youth shared how ChildFund has helped them find their voices and become leaders in their communities. Through a series of training, mentorship, and support, they have learned how to speak up about the problems affecting them and their peers.

“My experience with ChildFund dates as far back as 2023, during the launch of their Increasing Access to Secondary Education for Out-of-school Girls project, where I read a poem that got people so impressed,” says Philipa, 17, President of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), who also doubles as Environmental Sustainability Ambassador for ChildFund in Sierra Leone. 

The youth also shared how they are promoting environmental sustainability by organizing cleanups, planting trees, and educating others about protecting natural resources. For them, fighting for the environment is part of protecting children’s future. Philipa furthered:

‘’Couple of months later that same year, ChildFund called upon me to represent the children of Sierra Leone in the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. This was new to me. I didn’t even have a passport to travel. It was ChildFund that made me my first passport. They created the platform for me to not only represent my peers, but to also interact with them. When I got to Kenya, I met other children from various backgrounds. We began discussing how the environment and weather patterns are changing and its effect on children. During our discussions, my peers from other countries unanimously agreed that I represent the children of Africa by reading the declaration statement in the presence of African Heads of State, including the president of my country, the retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio. That was one of my biggest achievements so far, all thanks to ChildFund.’’

For Philipa, the opportunity was more than just a platform to interact and represent her peers, it was transformative. “Those engagements were a game-changer; they directly paved the way for me to contest and eventually win the presidency of the CFN,” she says with excitement. As if that wasn’t enough, ChildFund further sponsored my trip CoP28 in Dubai, and COP29 in Azerbaijan. They have always created that platform where I can participate, speak and let people listen to what I am saying.

“On all three occasions when I returned home, I have been actively engaged in school-to-school sensitization, tree planting, among other activities. It has been an amazing journey with ChildFund. The declaration statement I read in Kenya, paved the way for Sierra Leone to win the votes for hosting the Next Africa Children Climate Summit.”

Supporting Child Participation at National and Global Stages

‘’ChildFund took my story to the world, and today, the world knows about me,’’ says Morison, Vice President of CFN. ‘’ChildFund has produced more youth at National and Global stages. I have been given that platform once to participate in the First Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Columbia, although there were challenges that prevented me from attending physically. However, I participated virtually.’’ Morison furthers.

‘’CFN and ChildFund have been working together through the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in ensuring that children and young people participate in issues affecting their wellbeing,’’ CFN was recently represented at the launch of the Social Emotional Learning. All of this feels like ChildFund is taking the voices, perspectives and ideas of young people to the global stage.’’

On May 22, 2025, Morison spoke at the World Health Organization (WHO) Assembly on corporal punishment. “ChildFund first created that platform that is now giving me these speaking opportunities.”

On the policy advocacy front, Morison is quoted as saying: ‘’ChildFund has been part of the journey in advocating for the enactment of bills such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage which recently became a law. They have been supporting that movement as part of the Child Rights Coalition.’’ 

“A new Child Rights Bill has been tabled in the well of parliament that talks about protection of children from harmful traditional practice, child abuse, among others. ChildFund is playing a key role in that as well.”

A Message from the President

Deeply moved by the conversations, Isam said:

“I was very impressed with the articulation and clarity of your thoughts. I can see the energy and enthusiasm to do more. I appreciate the fact that each one of you did not only stop at what he/she received, but you took it further”

“We are all working towards one mission—ensuring that every child in this world is healthy, educated, skilled and safe. As ChildFund, we consult with you in order to know the issues, so we can put the resources behind them and address them in the best possible way. You have a lot to offer to the world.

I also know there are social issues and/or challenges affecting youth such as: teenage pregnancy, early marriage, violence against children, the environment. The environment is your asset.”