In our last blog post, we shared that Posseh Kamara’s teacher described her as “the saddest child” at her school last year. That’s because the teen was often too hungry to study or attend school. Many days she had to sell water on the street just to afford a meal.
And when she did come to class, the other students would tease her because she didn’t have a uniform or supplies.
But this year, Posseh became an In School girl. Every month, thanks to our incredible donors, In School sent her family a small cash transfer through Posseh’s aunt’s mobile phone. With this cash, they were able to buy food, a uniform and the other essentials she needed to attend school every day.
And she did.
This simple gift of cash was life-changing. In June, Posseh achieved a huge goal she had felt was out of reach for a long time: at age 15, she graduated from primary school!
Posseh Kamara on primary school graduation day
What’s next for Posseh?
Encouraged by her achievement, Posseh is excited for the next step: secondary school. She has applied to attend an all-girls school for multiple reasons. First, she believes there are too many distractions at combined schools. She says, “There is no more good learning there, because the boys are rude and the [girls] follow the boys.”
Second, she is looking out for her own safety. Experience has shown her that boys will follow girls and bother them, even when they go to the restroom. She explains, “Even if you go and report to the teacher and they say, "Lads, don't do this," he will just wait until the teacher forgets. Then he will follow you.”
Posseh doesn’t have time for harassment or distractions. She has high hopes to go to college and become a pilot one day so that she can help her family rise out of poverty.
Graduation wasn’t her only big news
It took the generosity of compassionate people like you – people who believe all girls deserve a chance to be In School – to help Posseh overcome the obstacles that kept her out of school.
But it also took a truly remarkable amount of hard work, resilience and determination for Posseh to reach her graduation goal. She is truly an inspiration.
On that note, be sure to check back next month, because Posseh has even more good news to share with you!