By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – May 23, 2025 – The YAS Girls Leadership Foundation, founded by Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, has continued its mission of empowering young girls with a leadership tour across Bombali and Tonkolili Districts, engaging 300 schoolgirls in Makeni and Magburaka.
The foundation, launched in January 2022, aims to mentor and inspire thousands of schoolgirls through a structured platform that fosters ambition and leadership. Guided by the motto “Give her wings – watch her fly!”, the recent sessions encouraged students to envision their future careers and embrace the tools necessary for success.
During interactive discussions, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized three key principles for young girls to develop their leadership potential:
– Believing in themselves
– Prioritizing their education
– Persevering through challenges
The students openly shared obstacles they face, including peer pressure, early marriage, sexual harassment, and financial difficulties. The mayor encouraged peer-led discussions on overcoming adversity and directed them to external support networks.
To reinforce the importance of education, scholarships of NLe3,000 were awarded to 12 outstanding students from each of the six participating schools. Schools involved included Saint Joseph’s Senior Secondary School Makeni, Rogbaneh Government Municipal Girls Secondary School, FAWE Senior Secondary School for Girls (Bombali District), Government Secondary School for Girls Mathora, Saint Joseph’s Secondary School for Girls Magburaka, and Missionary Church of Africa (MCA) Magburaka (Tonkolili District).
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed deep gratitude to Mayor Abu Bakar Kamara of Makeni City Council and Chairperson Yabom Tessim Sesay of Tonkolili District Council for their support in hosting the events. She also extended appreciation to the participating principals, teachers, and the girls who made the engagement dynamic and meaningful.
The YAS Girls Leadership Foundation continues to uplift and empower young Sierra Leonean girls, fostering their ambitions and preparing them for leadership roles in their communities and beyond.