We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Although the academic year in the UK is not yet finished, our preparations for the new academic year in September are already underway. Our Back to School initiative aims to equip children worldwide with the necessary supplies to begin their academic journey with confidence and enthusiasm. From school uniforms to basic necessities such as stationery and toiletries, we strive to remove barriers to education and create an environment where children can thrive. Recently, our efforts have focused on Sierra Leone, where we are partnering with Practical Tools Initiative (PTI) to support the education of working children.
Practical Tools Initiative is a voluntary organisation dedicated to the social and economic rehabilitation of post-war communities in Sierra Leone. They collect, refurbish, and distribute used tools to help individuals generate sustainable incomes and become self-sufficient. Recognising the critical role of education in community development, PTI also provides learning materials to local schools. Recently, through our Kind Network, PTI reached out to Goods For Good for support with a newly built community school in Freetown designed for working children.
Sierra Leone is still recovering from the impacts from a prolonged civil war, and economic hardships and social challenges remain widespread. Many families rely on the income generated by their children’s labour, forcing children to work instead of attending school. These children, some as young as five, engage in strenuous and hazardous work. The lack of educational opportunities perpetuates the cycle of poverty and limits their future prospects.
Last week, as part of our Back to School initiative, we sent a consignment of school uniforms, sportswear, clothing, and toiletries, weighing a total of 6,190kg - that's the equivalent of approx 400 boxes. These essential items will set sail for Sierra Leone in two weeks and will support the new community school in Freetown, which is set to open this September and will provide education to 300 working children.
Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty and transform lives. For the children working in Sierra Leone, education offers the chance to escape dangerous work environments, develop critical thinking skills, and unlock opportunities that can lead to a brighter future. By attending school, these children will gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue higher education or vocational training, enabling them to get better jobs and contribute to their communities. By providing uniforms and basic necessities, we are helping to remove significant barriers that prevent these children from accessing education, helping to alter the course of their futures.
In our ongoing mission to bring aid and opportunities to those in need, our recent efforts in Sierra Leone mark the delivery of aid to our 30th country globally and our 5th in Africa. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to supporting communities worldwide.
While this achievement marks a significant step forward, our work is far from over. The needs in Sierra Leone and other similar communities are vast, and we remain dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed through education. Our commitment is driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed, and we are so grateful to our partners; Uniform 4 Kids, Savile Row, Secret Linen, Banner, Salix Embroidery, Race Ahead,One & All, and the students at Hotham School, Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, Tiffin School and Hampstead Gym Club for making it possible to support the children of Freetown.
Our work is about making a difference in someone’s life by providing essential resources to those who need them most. Right now, we are in desperate need of toiletries and hygiene goods - our cupboards are bare! You can support us yourself by donating items such as nappies (all sizes), period products, shampoo, toothpaste and shower gel, or by encouraging friends and work colleagues to hold a collection event. By doing so you will be making a significant difference in the lives of those in need and helping to alleviate the day-to-day challenges that can make life even more overwhelming for those already dealing with hardship.
You can donate toiletries through our wish-list by clicking the button below, or by contacting us directly to arrange a delivery.
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