Education

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools across Semionette’s District of Koinadugu,Northern Province to shut their doors, the 12-year-old was devastated. A bright and determined student, she feared the disruption would derail her education.
“I was not happy when schools closed because of the coronavirus,” she recalled. “It stopped me from learning for a while.”
But help came just in time. Through the support of ChildFund and its local partner, Daindemben Federation, Semionette and other children in her community received critical educational support to stay on track during lockdowns. A key intervention was the distribution of 470 solar-powered radios, which enabled students to access pre-recorded lessons broadcast through government-led national radio teaching programs, ensuring learning continued at home.

Semionette was one of the many children who tuned in regularly. “I was listening to the radio teaching program using the radio given to me by ChildFund,” she said. “It helped me study and prepare for the National Primary School Examination (NPSE).”

In addition to the radio lessons, ChildFund and Daindemben Federation provided counseling and guidance to pupils on how to prepare mentally and academically for the exams. This holistic support proved crucial.
When the results were announced, Semionette scored an impressive aggregate of 311—well above the national average for admission into government Junior Secondary Schools, which typically require a minimum aggregate of 240. Even many private schools, which often require scores of 300 and above, would gladly welcome her.
With her outstanding results, Semionette secured admission to a prestigious christian secondary school in the Kabala region.
Reflecting on the experience, Semionette expressed gratitude. “My mother had a phone with a radio, but I didn’t always have access to it. The radio from ChildFund made all the difference. I’m now in a new class, learning new things, and I love it.”

Supporting Vulnerable Communities through Health, Cash, and Learning Initiatives

In addition to providing solar-powered radios to students, ChildFund’s COVID-19 response in Sierra Leone supported over 500,000 people in vulnerable communities through a wide range of interventions.
At the height of the pandemic, medical and pharmaceutical supplies critical to the national response were in short supply. In collaboration with partners such as MAP International, ChildFund donated five 40-foot containers filled with essential medical and pharmaceutical products to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. These supplies were distributed for use across the country.
We reached 12,787 families, approximately 70,000 individuals, with unconditional cash transfers worth USD 386,340. These emergency funds enabled parents and caregivers to buy food, access medical care, and keep their children safe at home.
In addition, over 850,000 people were directly engaged in COVID-19 prevention and control efforts, ensuring widespread adherence to public health guidelines and safety protocols.