Skills Development
Leadership training and practical skills that girls carry far beyond the classroom.
Since 2012 · Freetown
Girls leading change in Sierra Leone
A holistic girl-driven organization that nurtures and transforms girls into effective leaders and social change agents in their communities — so they can realize their dreams.
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Founded in Freetown
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Years walking with girls
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Years of support per girl
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Programmatic pillars
Our vision
“A world with a new generation of powerful young women leaders and change makers who are well positioned and equipped to change their societies.”
What we focus on
Four pillars, with self-development at the core
Activism
Advocacy and social change work led by the girls themselves, in their own communities.
Well-being
Physical and mental wellness education, taught in safe spaces built for sisterhood.
Academic Enrichment
Academic support and learning that keeps girls progressing from JSS1 to SS2.
Year-round, not one-off
Six years alongside every girl
Girls join GESL in JSS1 at 11–13 and graduate at SS2. In between come the triennial Summit, mentorship circles led by Sierra Leonean women, community development projects, and emergency assistance that keeps families — and girls' education — standing through crisis.
Explore the journeyThe journey
Four stages, from JSS1 to career-ready
- 1
Zahra
2 years
Leadership and self-development
- 2
Chanua
1 year
Mentorship and technology
- 3
Gazania
2 years
Community and national development
- 4
Caly Lily
1 year
Career development and college readiness
IGNITE Series
Ending violence against women and girls
A blended series of local events, podcasts, videos and print that sharpens the advocacy and activism skills of the girls who take part.
See the impact
Word of wisdom · today
Daily word of wisdom
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
FAQ
Questions people ask us
Stay close to the work
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