Child Sponsorship

With the Ebola outbreak of 2014, an already fragile early childhood education system in Koinadugu District was further weakened. Young children were left without access to nursery schools, missing out on vital early learning, play, and social interaction. Without this critical foundation, many were unprepared for the transition to primary school, denying them the start in life that every child deserves.

Because of this, many children struggled when they started school, and the whole community faced ongoing problems with education. With no help from the government or private groups, families had no support to prepare their children for school. This lack of early learning made it harder for the village to grow and build a better future for its children.

In 2004, Kadijatu, once a sponsored child, tried to help the best way she could, remembering her sponsorship journey with the organization and how it paved the way for her growth. As the youngest in a struggling family, Kadiatu became a sponsored child through ChildFund. Though her sponsorship was brief, it ignited a passion for change. During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, she saw the need for a nursery school in her community, Dankawali. With just seven children, she started teaching under a makeshift setup. 

“It broke my heart to see young children sitting idle with no place to learn or play. I thought, “If no one will do it, why not me?”

Determined to make a lasting impact, she secured funding through Daindemben Federation, leading to the construction of the community’s first nursery school, now fully government-run. Kadijatu later earned a teacher’s certificate and now serves as a Program Assistant, at Daindemben Federation, helping children just like her.

“Imagine where I would be if ChildFund hadn’t given me that first chance. One encounter opened my eyes to what is possible, and that is why I am committed to giving back so others can seize the same opportunity I did.”

In her role as Program Assistant, Kadijatu organizes and facilitates activities related to child sponsorship, education, health, child protection, livelihoods, and other priority areas. ‘’I love my job. It’s not different from what I started with the kids at Dankawali. I see myself continuing to help children the same way that ChildFund helped me,’’ she said.

Dankawali’s story cannot be told without highlighting Kadijatu’s name—a daughter whose courage and commitment have forever changed the trajectory of her community. From a sponsored child to a community leader, Kadijatu’s journey is a powerful reminder that even a little light can brighten the darkest corners.

“Every brick laid in that school represents hope,” she says. “I still remember the excitement on the children’s faces when we opened the doors for the first time.”

Today, the nursery school pioneered by Kadujatu has over 100 children who are prepared for primary school every year. 

“My dream,” Kadiatu says with a smile, “is that one day, one of these children will build something even greater and say they started here.”