End-of-year review and thank you
Young mothers and their trainer at our new tailoring social enterprise in Bo, which opened in August
This year, we have worked alongside 198 young mothers, delivering tailored, holistic support including scholarships, mentoring, family counselling and life skills education. We have reached hundreds more through our work with caregivers and wider family members, who have benefited from business grants and participation in community events, including monthly family meals.
In this end-of-year newsletter, we highlight some of our key achievements, and favourite moments, from the year. Thank you for your support in making this work possible.
Aminata stands proud for the camera in her school uniform, outside her home in Bo
In 2024, we supported 53 young mothers to return to or remain in school.
This includes Aminata (pictured, above). Referred to our project by a local district nurse, Aminata was facing unimaginable challenges - pregnant, unwell, and living in extreme poverty with no support from the father of her child. She gradually found her voice and regained her confidence through counselling and weekly life skills sessions.
Despite the heartbreaking loss of her baby earlier this year, Aminata has shown incredible resilience. With ongoing support, she returned to school this September, where she is thriving.
'The AdAmi Project took me in and helped me,' she shares. 'They encouraged me and made me realise I can do great things. I am so glad to be back at school. One day, I will work and earn money, and then I can enjoy life!'
Aminata (left) with her aunty (middle) and sister Adama (right)
In 2024, we awarded six young mothers scholarships to continue or begin university education.
Our first university scholar, Nasiratu, completed her three-year business management degree in July. We are delighted to learn that she has since secured full-time employment with a leading NGO, helping deliver vital community development projects nationwide.
Five other young mothers are at university pursuing degrees in subjects including nursing and social work. Amongst them is Aminata (pictured above), one of the two young mothers who inspired the set-up of our charity in 2018. Aminata's life is unrecognisable from the time we first met her six years ago, when she had been thrown out of school and her family home, and appeared shy and withdrawn.
Today, Aminata is a bright and confident young woman. With support from the AdAmi Project, she completed her secondary education last year and began a degree in early childhood development in October. She reminds other young mothers to 'take courage. Life does not have to end after pregnancy. You can still achieve your dreams.'
Hairdressing students at a local vocational institute in Bo
In 2024, we supported 139 young mothers to move into or continue full-time vocational training.
This includes Finda. Determined to change her circumstances, she started a full-time training apprentice in welding in 2021, despite many telling her that the vocation was 'man's work' and that she'd never succeed. But she has proven her critics wrong.
Since completing her formal apprenticeship in September, Finda has secured a permanent job at a solar panel company, earning a competitive salary as their only female welder. While she is thriving in her role, her ambitions don't stop there - she dreams of one day opening her own workshop and mentoring other young women in the trade.
Finda's story is a powerful reminder that with opportunity and determination, breaking stereotypes is not just possible, it's inevitable.
Young mothers at a community meeting in 2024
In 2024 we helped amplify the voice and visibility of young mothers
This year, we made good progress towards this goal. Increasing young mothers' voices and visibility within our programme is essential for many reasons, including ensuring that our interventions and priorities reflect their needs and wants.
One way we do this is through a new peer mentoring scheme. In October, we recruited eight young mothers to work alongside our team to serve as peer mentors. They now work with us to assist with key day-to-day activities, including monitoring tasks and delivering life skills sessions. They receive a monthly stipend whilst gaining new skills and valuable work experience. We also learn a lot from the young mothers, who share their insights and ideas daily with the team.
Tiangay is a new paid mentors for MEANS. She is one of our first university scholars and is studying community development and adult education at a local university. When not busy with her studies, Tiangay mentors and supports other vulnerable young mothers in her community. She tells us: 'This work is vital. I am helping other young mothers in difficult situations. I love to give back and to make their lives better.'
Young mother Rahilu (second from right) with her daughter, peer mentor Tiangay (left) and mentor Doris (right)
Other activities and highlights
Throughout the year, our team has delivered a range of other activities to achieve our long-term goal of supporting young mothers in building happier, healthier, and more independent lives. This has included delivering weekly and monthly group life skills sessions and working alongside caregivers to help them establish and grow their small businesses to increase their income.
All of this work is having a huge impact on the lives of young mothers, who tell us:
'I have learnt so much. I have new knowledge and can make better choices.’
'Before this time, I felt isolated in my community. The project has helped me feel less alone. I can share my experiences with others who understand me.'
'We are now changemakers in our community. We are powerful and people are listening to us.’
A participant at a group life skills session
Support our work this festive season
We are grateful to the many UK trusts, foundations, and individuals worldwide who have donated, attended events, volunteered their time and skills, and shown support in many other ways.
If you're inspired by what we do, we would love it if you could make a gift this festive season or consider signing up to become an AdAmi Padi. Click here to donate.
Thank you. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy new year. See you in 2025!