Last updated on December 17th, 2024 at 02:23 pm
There are very few places that you might consider off-the-beaten-path these days, however, Sierra Leone’s Turtle Islands are just that.
When I first stepped foot on these remote islands, I was captivate as this untouched paradise is like nowhere else on earth – at least nowhere else I’ve ever been. The Turtle Islands are remote. There are no cars, no Wi-Fi, no tourist infrastructure. Life here is simple, yet it’s not without challenges. Access to education is limited, with few facilities for children to learn and grow.
I recently visited the Turtle Islands for the second time as part of a Sierra Leone group trip I organised through my company, Rock My Adventure and when we arrived, we found that the children were being taught in very small, makeshift classrooms (built from tarpaulin and sticks with a corrugated iron roof) while a new school is under construction. Unfortunately, the community is short on funds to complete the project.
So we are looking to raise £6,700 to complete the project as soon as possible.
Why We’re Fundraising
During our visit, we were welcomed with open arms by the local community and spent a lot of time with the local children who loved to hang out at our camp, sing, dance and curiously observe the unusual visitors who had arrived on their island!
One day, I wandered along the beach with my friend Jorgen, collecting shells, when a little girl joined me, enthusiastically helping me find sand dollars aka ‘Mermaid Money’. As we strolled, more children joined in, turning it into an impromptu treasure hunt.
The following day, about ten children appeared at our camp, their hands filled with shells they had collected for me. It was such a beautiful gesture and a testament to their kindness and generosity.
We visited the site where the new school is being built and moved by the situation, my friends and I have decided to raise funds for the materials, transport, and labour needed to finish the school before the rainy season arrives in May, as the current classroom conditions are dire.
Education is a powerful tool. It’s not just about learning to read and write – it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and breaking the cycle of poverty. A school will be a beacon of hope for the children of the Turtle Islands, giving them the chance to dream bigger and achieve more than ever before.
How You Can Help
I’m reaching out to you, my incredible Africa-loving and philanthropic community, to join us in making this dream a reality. Whether it’s through donating, sharing our story, or helping us spread the word, your support means the world to us. Every single contribution brings us closer to providing the children of the Turtle Islands with the future they so rightly deserve.
You can:
- Donate to the GoFundMe. Every little helps!
- Share the GoFundMe page to your friends and social networks.
- Share this post to tell our story.
We aim to raise £6,700 to complete the project as quickly as possible – and crucially, before the rainy season begins. The rainy season in the Turtle Islands presents significant challenges, with heavy downpours making construction work nearly impossible.
Meeting this target on time will ensure the school is ready and operational, sparing the children from any further delays in having a safe and inspiring place to learn. Every pound raised will be used for construction materials, skilled labour, and ensuring the project meets the highest standards of safety and durability.
We’re also keen to connect with anyone affiliated with a charity who can help. If donations are processed through a charity, we can claim an additional 25% Gift Aid on eligible contributions. This extra funding would dramatically amplify the impact of every donation, helping us go further and do more for the children and community.
With your support, we can transform lives. Together, we can provide not just a school but the foundations for a brighter future.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
This isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about building hope and providing opportunity. The children of the Turtle Islands have so much potential and we want to give them the tools to reach it.
Thank you for being part of this journey. From the bottom of my heart, I’m so grateful for your support. Together, we can change lives and make the world a little brighter.
Let’s build something incredible and change the lives of these wonderful children, together.
If you’d like to donate, you can find all the details here.
With love and gratitude,
Helen, Brendan, Isabella, Jorgen & Debbie x
