By eric.george@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Under the golden hues of a Sierra Leonean sunset, the rhythmic beat of traditional drums mixed with the laughter of dozens of young women – each with a story of resilience, hope, and second chances. This was the powerful closing scene of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects’ (LNP) transformative 5-day Annual Convention, where mentors and young mothers gathered to rewrite the narrative of teenage pregnancy in Sierra Leone.
From March 18-22, 2025, Bumpe Chiefdom became the epicenter of change as LNP’s groundbreaking 2YoungLives (2YL) initiative brought together mentors, coordinators, and community leaders from across the nation. The program – which provides critical support to pregnant girls under 18 – has become a beacon of hope in a country where 1 in 10 pregnant teenagers once died from maternal complications.
“These aren’t just statistics – they’re our daughters,” declared Prince Tommy Williams, LNP’s Executive Director, his voice thick with emotion. “We’ve gone from saving child soldiers in the 90s to now saving young mothers. Our mission remains: no girl left behind.”
Project Manager Magenda Kamara highlighted their holistic approach: “We don’t just ensure safe births. We fight stigma, provide business skills, and get these girls back in school or vocational training. Last month, three of our girls graduated as tailors with their own shops!”
The convention buzzed with success stories. Kadija Koroma, a 2YL mentor, shared: “One girl came to us terrified at 16. Today she runs a thriving cassava cake business while finishing secondary school. Her baby just turned two – healthy and happy.”
The event culminated in an emotional certificate ceremony and vibrant cultural showcase, where participants performed skits about overcoming stigma – proving that these young women are not just survivors, but leaders shaping Sierra Leone’s future.
Despite successes, challenges loom. Williams made a passionate appeal: “We need more funding to expand. For every girl we help, ten more need us. This isn’t charity – it’s investing in Sierra Leone’s next generation.”
As the sun set on the convention, the message was clear: Lifeline Nehemiah isn’t just changing lives – it’s rebuilding communities, one young mother at a time. SEG/4/4/2025
 transformative 5-day Annual Convention, where mentors and young mothers gathered to rewrite the narrative of teenage pregnancy in Sierra Leone.){kind=link}