Have you ever imagined what a sponsored child could achieve in the future? Across Sierra Leone, and beyond, there are countless inspiring stories of ChildFund graduates who have broken the cycle of poverty. Here are just 7 remarkable individuals who, thanks to their generous sponsors, have been empowered to reach their full potential.

Isha – a Lieutenant in the Republic of 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—she was enrolled in ChildFund’s N’domakeh sponsorship program and matched with a sponsor who supported her for a decade.

With ChildFund’s 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—opening doors to new opportunities.

As fate would have it, the 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 was life-changing. They lifted me from my remote village and gave me a future I never imagined.”

Sembo – the teacher who is championing quality education for all

When Sembo Kamara, 26, joined ChildFund’s sponsorship program through its local partner, Ndomakeh Federation, in 2008 in Kailahun District, he saw it as just a way to get through school. “I thought it was a joke,” he recalls. However, sponsorship turned out to be life-changing.

ChildFund supported Sembo throughout his primary and secondary education, easing the financial burden on his family. “I never saw my parents worry about my schooling,” he says. His sponsor, Theressa Rosco, became a motherly figure, even giving him a bicycle that ensured he was never late for school.

After completing secondary school in 2014, Sembo returned to his community as a ChildFund volunteer, giving back in the same way he had once been helped. “I was happy to support others just as I had been supported,” he reflects. This experience deepened his sense of gratitude and purpose.

Determined to further his education, he earned a Higher Teacher Certificate in 2017 and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2022 from Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone. Today, Sembo is an Associate Teacher at Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Daru, where he leads the Commercial Studies department and supervises teachers. He is also the school’s examination officer.

“My favorite part of the job is ensuring quality teaching and motivating students to aim higher,” he says. Looking back, Sembo sees his journey as ‘proof of the power of sponsorship’. “It was a dream come true. Now I truly understand what sponsorship means and how far it can take you. I am proud I didn’t disappoint my sponsor or the ChildFund team.”

Kadijatu – the lady who built the first nursery school in Dankawali community

In 2004, Kadijatu, the youngest in a struggling family, 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 of Dankawali in Falaba District. With just seven children, she started teaching under a makeshift setup.

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’s possible, and that’s why I’m committed to giving back, so others can seize the same opportunity I did.”

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

Mohamed- the Programs Officer who is giving back to his community

Sponsored at the age of 8, Marah faced immense hardships, including his parents’ divorce and financial struggles that threatened his education.

ChildFund stepped in, easing his father’s burden and ensuring he remained in school. With ChildFund’s support, Marah progressed from primary school to university, where he pursued a degree in Mass Communication at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK).

Even amidst the Ebola crisis, he persevered, graduating in 2017. Inspired to give back, he began his career as a Community Mobilizer with a ChildFund-supported project, which laid the foundation for his professional growth.

Marah’s dedication and experience led him to a role with Mont McDonald, where he advanced from School Support Officer to Senior Programs Officer.

Along the way, he earned a Master’s in Sustainable Development, further solidifying his impact in the development sector.

Grateful for the opportunities ChildFund provided, Marah not only uplifts his community but has also supported his younger brother, Kemoh, through university.

His journey is a powerful reminder that sponsorship extends beyond one child—it creates ripples of change for families and entire communities.

‘’If it were not for ChildFund, I would not have been where I am today. ChildFund created the platform. That intervention turned things around. ChildFund should continue helping vulnerable children. There are a lot of children in communities that need to be touched, too,” he concludes.

Sheku – the Program Assistant for whom giving back is a way of life

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. 

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 I was enrolled in the program. My first sponsor was Vigill in 2009, but when Vigill dropped me, I was later sponsored by Sean Thomas Orzard from Australia,” Sheku recalls.

As a sponsored child, Sheku was very active in the program. 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.

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.”

Fatmata – the nurse who is championing life-saving healthcare in Senekedugu, Kabala District

Growing up in one of Sierra Leone’s most remote areas in Senekedugu, Kabala District, 26-year-old Fatmata faced immense hardship. Her family struggled daily to make ends meet, and like many children in her community, she knew the pain of limited opportunities. But when ChildFund enrolled her in their sponsorship program, everything changed.

With ChildFund’s support, Fatmata gained access to education, healthcare, and essential resources. She excelled in school, and when she saw the dire shortage of nurses in her village, she knew she had to step up. Determined to make a difference, she pursued a three-year nursing program.

In 2020, Fatmata graduated and became the most qualified nurse at her Primary Health Unit (PHU) in Senekedugu. Since then, she has treated over 400 people, saving countless lives from malaria, pneumonia, typhoid, and other preventable diseases.

One case in particular stands out—a desperate mother rushing to Fatmata with her sick child, suffering from cholera dysentery. With quick action and simple treatment, Fatmata saved the child’s life. “Imagine if that child had died when a remedy was available. Somebody had to be there,” she reflects.

”The over 400 people I have treated since being a nurse, gives me a sense of fulfillment. I am what I am today because of ChildFund. And I will continue to work with ChildFund especially through their health interventions.”

Today, Fatmata continues her mission, working closely with ChildFund to provide bed nets, medications, and healthcare support to her community. “Sponsoring a child and seeing them grow up to give back is the best investment you can make,” she says.

Abu – the teacher who overcame great loss to inspire his community

Abu Yainkain Marah’s story is one of remarkable resilience and transformation. At just 26 years old, Abu has turned hardship into hope, using every setback as a stepping stone to build a brighter future for himself, his family, and his community, Serekolia Village in Falaba District.

Abu’s journey began in 2005 when he got his first sponsor through ChildFund. Losing his mother during the war and his father in 2002 left him orphaned and isolated among seven siblings—now all gone. With the support of ChildFund’s local partner Daindemben Federation, Abu was re-enrolled in school. The annual Designated Fund Certificate (DFC) provided him with the means to pay his school fees and purchase learning materials, ensuring that his education continued despite overwhelming challenges.

In 2009, Abu sat for the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) and began his junior secondary education in Mongo Town, nine miles from his village. Despite the difficulties posed by hunger and distance, he persevered. When it came time to sit the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), he shifted to a senior secondary school in Kabala Town. Through careful saving of his DFC, he pursued further education by earning his Higher Teaching Certificate (HTC).

After graduating, Abu returned to his village with a mission: to give back. He began volunteering at the community school, inspiring young minds, and even assisted Daindemben in gathering data on sponsored children in 2022. His commitment to service continues today as he volunteers for Daindemben and the only secondary school in Serekolia Village, nurturing a dream of joining their full-time staff to further contribute to their life-changing work.

Life threw another curveball when one night the wall of Abu’s home suddenly collapsed while he was sleeping with his family. Left homeless for a time, he once again turned to the DFC for help. With DFC’s support, he rebuilt his home, constructing a four-bedroom house.

Abu’s resourcefulness extends beyond education. He carefully manages his finances—tracking every expense. These funds not only support his academic ambitions but also help care for his wife and two children. Looking ahead, Abu plans to invest his money in fuel purchases from Kabala Town to further boost his income.

When he isn’t teaching or planning his next investment, Abu finds time to work on his family farm. He clears shrubs to plant rice—some of which he sells, while the rest nourishes his family. His agricultural efforts and financial prudence are integral parts of his journey toward self-reliance.

A proud graduate of EBK University in Makeni, where he studied social studies and government, Abu now teaches Junior Secondary School (JSS 1-3). His dedication to education shines in his classroom: just last year, every one of his pupils excelled in the BECE and advanced to Senior Secondary School.

Abu’s journey, from loss to a thriving career in teaching and community service, shows the transformative power of targeted support. His story inspires us all to believe that with resilience, determination, and a helping hand, even the most challenging beginnings can lead to a future filled with promise and impact.