AdAmi Project

Our founder Kirsty Wood has returned from her latest visit with the local teams in Sierra Leone.

In these secluded villages, young girls deal with challenging circumstances including high rates of teenage pregnancy and the emerging threat of local trafficking networks.

During the trip, Kirsty met young mothers like 15-year-old Selina and 18-year-old Mary. Their stories are tough, marked by poverty and broken promises. Yet, beneath the challenges, their resilience is breathtaking.

Thanks to the AdAmi Project, Mary, Selina, and 29 new young mothers—some as young as 13—have joined a new cohort.

Through life skills training and "Circle of Confidence" groups, they are already finding a safe space to heal, dance, connect, and reclaim their confidence.

Soon, they will begin vocational training and receive support to return to school.

We are so proud to walk alongside these young women as they gain the tools, networks, and hope needed to build brighter, safer futures for themselves and their children.

As Hawa, one of the young mothers, beautifully put it:

"I want to empower myself so I can support my family. I want to make them happy and give them something to smile about."

Read all about it in the latest newsletter: https://www.adamiproject.org/news-1/reflections-from-adamis-rural-outreach-work

HopeInAction

Shortly before the Easter break, our vocational training students took part in practicals as part of their training.

These practicals are an important way for the young mothers to apply the skills they have been learning in a hands-on setting, to monitor progress, and celebrate how far they have come in their learning.

Our tailoring students selected their fabrics and dress designs, then brought them to life in these beautiful finished pieces. At the same time, our catering and hospitality students created bright, colourful cakes and decorations.

Well done ladies, the clothes and cakes look amazing 👏 🎂 😋 👗

Our team and the young mothers are currently enjoying an extended Easter break, and we look forward to sharing more when activities resume. 💛

Millicent is one of the many young mothers to have recently graduated from our project. When our social worker, Andreta, first met her in 2022, she was withdrawn and overwhelmed.

‘She couldn’t even talk,’ recalls Andreta. She was one of the biggest introverts and could barely talk. She was really frustrated.’

Today, Millicent is a different person. She completed an 18-month hospitality and catering course with our project and quickly found work at a busy local hotel.

She serves drinks at the poolside bar, a lively spot in town where music plays, and people come to relax on the weekend. ‘I’m now a popular girl,’ she says, smiling.’ I’m confident and I love my work’

Millicent earns a steady income and often receives tips, food, and drinks from satisfied customers.

She’s proud of the independence she’s built. ‘It’s changed me a lot,’ she says. ‘I have achieved my dreams.’

Our brilliant local social workers and mentors are central to helping young mothers believe in themselves again and overcome the complex barriers they often face as they work towards their goals.

From regular one-to-one mentoring sessions and check-ins at their places of study to weekly group life skills sessions, they are there throughout each young mother’s journey on the project, supporting her to move forward with confidence and drive.