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Sierra Leone: Girls Find Safe Haven Amidst Crisis
25 May
Summary
- Adolescent girls in Sierra Leone gain vital support at a center.
- The center provides crucial reproductive health and life skills education.
- Funding uncertainty threatens the center's future operations.
In Sierra Leone's Tonkolili District, an Adolescent Friendly Centre (AFC) provides a vital sanctuary for teenage girls. These girls, who often travel long distances, access open discussions about menstruation, contraception, and consent—subjects frequently absent from their upbringing. The center, initially run by Medecins Sans Frontiere (MSF) Holland from 2019, was handed over to Plan International in March 2025.
The AFC offers essential education in sexual health, life skills, and technology, addressing a significant knowledge gap. Many adolescents rely on the center for free counseling, STI treatment, and family planning advice, as formal health facilities are often unaffordable. This support is critical, given that 30% of girls in Sierra Leone marry before 18, and teenage pregnancy contributes to a high maternal mortality rate.
Despite the government's efforts to combat child marriage and teenage pregnancy through legislation like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, significant barriers persist. Poverty and social pressure for early marriage continue to hinder girls' education. The center's operational future is now at risk, with funding secured only until spring 2028 and potential withdrawal of aid from countries like the UK.
