Nourishing Minds
Yoni Chiefdom, situated in Sierra Leone’s Tonkolili District, faces profound challenges stemming from poverty, limited access to education, and inefficient farming practices. Specifically, Romankeneh and Barray-nin village communities lack critical infrastructure for social development, including schools and healthcare facilities.
Climate change exacerbates these issues, along with outdated agricultural methods, resulting in hunger and malnutrition. Moreover, women entrepreneurs in these areas struggle with inadequate business management skills, hindering their ability to address community needs effectively.
Objective
This project aims to uplift the two communities in Yoni Chiefdom by improving primary education levels and sustaining livelihoods.
Activities
The project adopts a holistic approach to community empowerment, addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. It involves reconstructing two primary schools, providing education materials, and enhancing the capacity of school management committees. Business and finance literacy training is offered to adults to boost income levels. A part of the newly generated revenues is managed through ‚mothers‘ clubs’—community groups where women use the funds to prepare school meals, enhancing students‘ nutrition. The rest of the generated income is used to extend the businesses and cover family expenses. Additionally, agricultural training in cassava and vegetable farming is provided, along with reforestation efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainability.
Outcome and Impact
Through collaboration between Suyana and its partner Siera Grass-roots Agency (SIGA), the project results in improved learning outcomes for 594 primary school students, food and income security for 146 families, increased financial self-sufficiency for 100 women entrepreneurs, and improved environmental protection for two schools. These outcomes collectively lead to an enhanced standard of living across health, education, and livelihood dimensions.
Facts & Figures
2024 (1 year after project begin)
transition to secondary school
households having at least 2 meals per day
small businesses generating income
Our Partner
Support the education of students in Yoni Chiefdom.
