The AdAmi Project is committed to putting young mothers in front. Our vision is to build a dynamic organisation that is led by the young mothers themselves. This means carving out opportunities for them to lead and shape our programme. By utilising their unique lived experience, we can create real and lasting change in the lives of young mothers in Sierra Leone.

We are turning this vision into action through our paid internship scheme. The programme offers talented young mothers, who have completed their education with us, the opportunity to participate in paid internships with our local team.

This is a win-win arrangement. We are able to draw on the young women’s experiences, insights and ideas to ensure our programme addresses the needs and wants of young mothers. Meanwhile, the young women are given the chance to gain real-life paid work experience in the charity sector.

Nancy J, Nancy K and Jami began their internships with the local AdAmi office in October. Over recent months, they have got stuck in with a number of tasks. This has included assisting with day-to-day monitoring and administration tasks. We are also training the young women as community storytellers, where they will assist in gathering stories and case studies to capture the impact of our work.

In February, we caught up with the young women to find out more about their role within AdAmi and how they are finding it so far.

What is your job within the team?

Nancy J: We are assisting with so many activities! One of our key jobs is to mentor the other young mothers on the project, to encourage them to take their work and study seriously. Each day we visit their schools to check they are there. If they are not at school, we go to their homes to find out what the issue is. We counsel them and find ways for them to overcome some of the challenges they face.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Nancy K: I love assisting with the weekly life skills sessions. We get to share our own experiences with the other young mothers. We encourage them and give them hope that they can also build better futures. We are proof that it is possible. We inspire them and make them see that maybe they can become peer mentors like us one day. The young mothers who participate in the sessions sometimes tell us they prefer us over the social worker because we are young and have been through the same struggles!

What are some of the challenges?

Nancy J: Sometimes the girls are shy and do not want to open up to us. We can sit at their house for a long time and they will not interact. They are not even interested in getting help, they think their life is over. But we are patient and counsel them so that they begin to open up and share their worries. Then together we can find solutions.

How has life changed for you since joining Adami?

Jami: Before I joined the AdAmi Project I was really stressed. I could not focus on anything and was depressed. My family despised me and told me to stay away. They did not want me in their house, so I had to live with my aunt. The AdAmi Project put me back together again. With their help I returned to school and even managed to rebuild my relationship with my family. My parents received a small business grant from the project which is helping to raise money and take care of my daughter. They admire me now, especially as I bring home a wage every month!

Work in action

Nancy K and Theresa

AdAmi intern Nancy is a peer mentor to Theresa, one of our catering and hospitality students who joined the project in 2024.

When Nancy first met Theresa, she noticed that she was depressed and withdrawn. She quickly stepped in to offer a listening ear and words of encouragement. ‘I told her to not let the past get in the way of her building a better future,’ Nancy said.

Over time, the pair have built a strong and trusting relationship. Theresa says, ‘Nancy has gone through what I’ve been through. She understands and talks to us on the same level. My life is changing because of her encouragement.’

Nancy’s advice to Theresa is simple but powerful: ‘Take your work seriously. This is the only thing that will help you. Respect yourself, and others will respect you too.’

Theresa now dreams of working in a hotel or restaurant once she completes her course. ‘I will work hard so I can earn money and create a better future for my children. If Nancy can do it, I can too!’

Jami and Adama

Since October, Jami has been a peer mentor to Adama, offering invaluable support and guidance. Jami visits Adama once a week to ensure she is staying on track with her classes and to address any potential challenges that may arise. This mentorship has been critical to Adama’s confidence and motivation.

Adama's journey has been far from easy. Before joining the project, she was thrown out of her family home after becoming pregnant, and her boyfriend abandoned her. This took a heavy toll on her mental health and overall well-being.

But thanks to Jami’s mentoring and encouragement, everything is changing. "Jami has really helped me," Adama says. ‘She gives me advice and encourages me. I felt helpless, but thanks to Jami, I am managing to focus and work toward better things. I am so grateful and excited for the future. I want to become a boss woman!’

The AdAmi Project is so lucky and proud to have such a talented group of young women working alongside us to transform the lives and opportunities of young mothers in their community. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our work!