By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Sidie Tunis, has donated twenty thousand United States dollars ($20,000) to the Kids Advocacy Network (KAN) in support of its Light Her Path Scholarship Project—a flagship initiative dedicated to promoting access to education for girls across Sierra Leone and beyond.
The generous contribution was made as part of activities marking the Tenth Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum, organized by KAN. The donation is expected to significantly boost the organization’s efforts to expand educational opportunities for underprivileged girls and ensure that more young women have the resources and support needed to achieve their academic dreams.
The Light Her Path Scholarship Project focuses on empowering girls through both formal and informal education, addressing the barriers that limit their access to quality learning. The program provides scholarships, mentorship, and learning materials for girls, particularly those from disadvantaged communities who are at risk of dropping out of school due to financial constraints.
Dr. Tunis, who has long been recognized for his advocacy on education and social empowerment, said his support reflects his deep commitment to investing in the future of Sierra Leone’s young girls. “Education remains the most powerful tool for transformation,” he said. “When we educate a girl, we empower an entire community. My contribution to this project is a small step toward ensuring that no girl is left behind because of poverty or circumstance.”
He commended the leadership of the Kids Advocacy Network for their dedication to advancing girls’ rights and creating opportunities for the next generation of female leaders. Dr. Tunis also encouraged other individuals and institutions to join the initiative, emphasizing that sustainable development can only be achieved when both boys and girls are given equal access to education.
In response, the Executive Director of KAN, Abdul Kallon, expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Tunis for what he described as a “transformational gesture.” He noted that the donation would enable the organization to reach more beneficiaries, particularly in rural communities where access to education for girls remains a major challenge.
“This support comes at a time when many girls are struggling to stay in school. With Dr. Tunis’s generosity, we can expand our impact and continue to light the path for hundreds of young girls across Sierra Leone,” Kallon said.
The event also highlighted stories of past beneficiaries of the scholarship program who are now pursuing higher education or contributing positively to their communities. Their testimonies served as powerful reminders of the life-changing impact of initiatives like Light Her Path.
Dr. Tunis’s donation has been widely praised as a strong statement of leadership and compassion, reinforcing his reputation as a champion for youth and gender empowerment in Sierra Leone and across the ECOWAS region.
