Finding Hope: Kadijatu’s Journey from Risk to Resilience

Published Thu, Jun 19, 2025
Written by Dana Kaltenberger

At just 13 years old, Kadijatu Kargbo is already a shining example of courage and determination. A Junior Secondary School 7th grade (JSS1) student at EduNations Hope Academy in Mapainda, she comes from a Christian family of six children. Though her heart is full of faith, her family has faced overwhelming financial hardship.

With her mother working tirelessly as a small trader and the sole provider for the family, Kadijatu felt a deep burden to help. In an effort to support herself, she took to the streets of Freetown to hawk goods—an act of bravery that came with real danger. While selling in the busy city streets, Kadijatu was exposed to predatory individuals who posed as customers with harmful intentions.

Fearing for her safety, her family sent her to live with relatives in Mapainda. There, her life took a new turn. Enrolled at EduNations Hope Academy, Kadijatu found more than just a classroom—she found safety, compassion, and the opportunity to dream again. With access to free, high-quality education, ongoing emotional support, and a nurturing school environment, she now feels secure, valued, and loved.

Kadijatu dreams of becoming a teacher—someone who can guide, inspire, and care for others, just as the staff at EduNations have done for her. With the support of a sponsor, she believes she can become a powerful force for good—an educator who sows the same seeds of hope, strength, and love that were planted in her life.

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