In Sierra Leone only about 35% of the population can read and write. Former child soldiers make up a large percentage of adults that are in this group. Some of these adults cannot identify the letters A or B in the alphabet or even write their own name. Many will have never stepped foot into a classroom.
Our aim is to support young people through adult literacy classes, where they can learn to read and write, giving them a better chance in life and the ability to make a positive contribution in their communities.
In addition, Sierra Leone has one the highest teenage pregnancy rates in West Africa, which has worsened in the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic. Street Sports Hope offers support and advice on teenage pregnancy as part of our support to young people, including advice on contraception and HIV/AIDS.
Using sport, we give young people a platform to gain more knowledge about the dangers of unprotected sex and addressing the stigma on people living with HIV/AIDS.