CEO SL, You Foundation Provide School Supplies to Vulnerable Girls
By Mackie M. Jalloh
Clinetown, Freetown – October 7, 2025: In a heartwarming initiative aimed at promoting educational access for vulnerable children, the Clinetown Educational Organization (C.E.O SL) distributed essential school materials to 70 at-risk girls at Bishop Crowther Primary School. This initiative forms part of the organization’s Save Girls’ Education Project, a pilot program designed to support young girls in continuing their education and reducing dropout rates.
The donation ceremony, attended by teachers, parents, guardians, and community stakeholders, showcased the organization’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for girls aged 8–15. The package of school materials included bags, uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, and other essential learning tools, all intended to ease the financial burden on families and provide students with the resources necessary to succeed academically.
In an interview with Mr. Yasin Bah, Executive Director of C.E.O SL and popularly known as Chief Yasin, highlighted the transformative nature of the project. “This initiative is a milestone for both our organization and the Clinetown/Kanikay community,” he said. “Through the Save Girls’ Education Project, we have successfully reintegrated over 20 girls who had previously dropped out of school, and we are committed to supporting more than 50 girls at risk of leaving school through consistent term-by-term assistance.”
Valentina RD Oubee, Coordinator of the Save Girls’ Education Project, emphasized the importance of supporting girls’ education, particularly at the primary level. “Education is a powerful tool for empowerment,” she said. “When we invest in girls, especially those in their formative years, we are not only providing them with knowledge but also equipping them with life skills, confidence, and the foundation to achieve their full potential. This project ensures that financial hardship does not prevent these girls from pursuing their dreams.”
The project extends beyond material donations. Beneficiaries and their families also receive conditional cash transfers (CCTs) to alleviate economic barriers, sanitary pads to ensure uninterrupted schooling, and ongoing mentorship from local female professionals and students. Community involvement remains central to the program’s success, with parents and guardians signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to promote shared responsibility in supporting the girls’ educational journey.
During the event, several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude. Pritina King, a Class 5 pupil at Bishop Crowther Primary School, thanked the organization and pledged to make the most of the opportunity. “I am very happy to receive these materials,” she said. “I promise to study hard and use them to do well in school.”
Parents also expressed their relief and appreciation. Binty Kamara, whose daughter benefits from the project, shared her heartfelt thanks. “It was very difficult for me to provide for my child before,” she explained. “With this support from CEO SL and Chief Yasin, I am grateful, and I will guide my daughter to study diligently and take full advantage of this opportunity.”
The Save Girls’ Education Project, launched in August 2025 following a successful summer class program benefiting over 200 girls, is a one-year pilot initiative focused on academic support, life skills training, and health education. Its long-term vision is to expand to other schools in the Clinetown/Kanikay area, reaching more vulnerable girls and ensuring that poverty does not become a barrier to learning.
The ceremony was a testament to the power of community engagement and strategic intervention in education. By providing both material and mentorship support, C.E.O SL, in collaboration with the You Foundation, continues to inspire hope, restore educational opportunities, and empower girls to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
