Child Sponsorship

Giving back to society is a noble act, but for Sheku Kanneh, it is a way of life. Once a sponsored child, Sheku is now a dedicated Program Assistant, driving ChildFund’s sponsorship program in Sierra Leone. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the impact of sponsorship programs in transforming lives.

At just 26 years old, Sheku holds the position of Program Assistant at N’domakeh Federation, where he provides technical and administrative support for sponsorship initiatives. His role ensures a meaningful giving experience for donors and a positive sponsorship journey for children. But how did he get here?

Sheku’s journey began in 2007, when he was among the first batch of children enrolled in ChildFund’s sponsorship program in Kailahun District. “I was in Class 4 when ChildFund, through N’domakeh Federation, enrolled me. My first sponsor was Vigill in 2009, but when Vigill dropped me, I was later picked up by Sean Thomas Orzard from Australia,” Sheku recalls.

As a sponsored child, Sheku actively participated in community programs. He served as a male child representative on the N’domakeh Federation Board for two consecutive terms, advocating for the needs of children. His leadership extended further when he became the President of the Children’s Parliament in his community, a platform that empowers children to engage in decision-making and advocacy. “Serving in the Children’s Parliament gave me the opportunity to be a voice for child protection and advocacy issues in my community,” he says proudly.

In 2014, as Sheku was preparing for the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)—a crucial step towards higher education—Sierra Leone was struck by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Rather than retreating in fear, Sheku took a stand and volunteered with ChildFund and N’domakeh Federation. He played a crucial role in their sponsorship programming and helped spread life-saving EVD prevention messages in communities.

When Sierra Leone was finally declared Ebola-free, Sheku resumed his academic pursuits and successfully sat for his WASSCE examinations. His dedication as a community volunteer did not go unnoticed. In 2019, recognizing his commitment, ChildFund and N’domakeh Federation supported him in earning a diploma certificate.

Determined to give back to the community that shaped him, Sheku returned as a Community Volunteer in 2021. His perseverance paid off when a vacancy opened in the programs and sponsorship team at N’domakeh Federation. He applied, was successful, and today, he is a substantive Program Assistant.

Reflecting on his journey, Sheku attributes his success to ChildFund’s sponsorship program. “This opportunity would not have been possible without ChildFund. Their support transformed my life, and now, I am in a position to help other children experience the same transformation.”

Sheku Kanneh’s story is a powerful reminder of how sponsorship can change lives, not just for the sponsored child but for entire communities. Through his dedication, he is now paying it forward, ensuring that other children have the same opportunities that once shaped his own future.