Isha’s rise from humble beginnings in Kailahun to military service
June 9, 2025

Isha, a former ChildFund-sponsored child now serves in the Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
Born into a humble farming family in the remote Kailahun District, Isha Kangoma’s future once seemed uncertain. With limited resources, her parents struggled to provide for their children. But at the age of 8, her life took a remarkable turn when she was enrolled in ChildFund’s N’domakeh sponsorship program and matched with a sponsor who supported her for a decade.
With ChildFund’s unwavering support, Isha excelled in school, passing every public examination with impressive grades. When she sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), she earned four credits and two passes which opened doors to new opportunities.
As fate would have it, the Sierra Leone government announced recruitment for female candidates into the Armed Forces. Seizing the moment, Isha applied, determined to serve her country. Among hundreds of applicants, she emerged as the top candidate in the military entrance exams and was sent for an intensive six-month training course.
Today, she proudly wears the uniform of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of opportunity.
Reflecting on her journey, Isha shares, “My sponsorship experience with ChildFund was life-changing. They lifted me from my remote village and gave me a future I never imagined. Thanks to ChildFund and N’domakeh, I am who I am today.”
Isha’s story is a shining example of how child sponsorship can turn dreams into reality, transforming not just lives, but entire communities.



