Download the First Challenge
In a remote village by a river in Sierra Leone, children are going to great lengths to get to school.
One of these children is Tenneh, a 13-year-old determined to get a good education. Her journey to school isn’t a typical one. She starts the day by crossing the river in her canoe, no matter what the weather brings.
“When I am sitting in my boat on the way to school and the wind is blowing, I park the boat and wait for the wind to stop. Then I jump back into my boat quickly so I can get to school early,” says Tenneh.
Her village is only accessible by boat. The river is a way of life for families, from washing clothes in the water to catching fish to eat.
“I want to be educated and help my parents,” Tenneh says. She wants to be a nurse, thanks to her hard work and supportive teacher. “When the teacher gives us homework and we submit it, he corrects us nicely. He takes good care of us,” she says.
Now Tenneh’s school stands out, with students achieving above the national average in their exams.
We are supporting schools in Sierra Leone so children can continue to learn and play. We provide uniforms, books, and desks. Our teacher training programme makes sure that girls like Tenneh can stay in school and reach their potential.
Strong quotes
“I like the school. The school is beautiful, and the teacher likes me. Whatever we need they will provide for us.”
“When the teacher gives us homework and we submit it, he corrects us nicely. In the morning, he walks around just to make sure that we are all in school. He takes good care of us.”
“If I was a teacher, I would encourage pupils to come to school.”
“When I am sitting in my boat on the way to school and the wind is blowing. I go and park the boat and wait for the wind to cease, then I jump into my boat and cross over. I hurry up quickly so I can get to school early.”
“Sometimes my hands get tired when I get in the middle of the river. I have to stop the paddling of the boat and
The first challenge is here! Complete the download below to begin the journey.
You and the child in your life will learn about the crucial issue of hunger, exploring the importance of diet and nutrition, the need to be mindful of our own food waste, the underlying factors that drive global hunger and how we, at Save the Children, are fighting to stop it.
Would you like to share the fun? The more Mini Humanitarians we get to join, the better chance we have of defeating Global Hunger. Share (or ask your parent to share) this challenge on social media so your friends can become Mini Humanitarians too!