Our Work
Program Overview
Steps of Hope Sierra Leone uses an integrated, child-centered approach because barriers to education are often interconnected. A child may need suitable footwear, nutritious meals, learning materials, safer transportation, welfare follow-up, and family support at the same time. Assistance is provided according to documented need, transparent eligibility criteria, informed consent, safeguarding standards, and the child’s best interests.
Shoes for School
We assess each child’s footwear needs, determine the correct size, and provide properly fitted, durable shoes. Our program includes responsible purchasing and distribution, replacement planning, basic foot-health referrals, and opportunities to source footwear from qualified local suppliers.
Call to action: Sponsor a Pair of School Shoes.
Meals for Learning
We support nutritious, culturally appropriate school breakfasts and lunches that help children remain healthy, attentive, and ready to learn. We work with schools, local farmers, food providers, and communities to promote safe preparation, proper hygiene, secure storage, balanced menus, and consistent meal monitoring.
Call to action: Help Provide a School Meal
Learning Essentials
We provide essential educational materials based on assessed needs, including school bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, uniforms, and rain protection. These resources help children participate confidently and complete their schoolwork effectively.
Call to action: Provide a Learning Kit.
Safe Journey Support
We work with schools, caregivers, and communities to identify travel risks and develop appropriate solutions. Support may include route assessments, organized walking groups, reflective materials, bicycles, targeted transportation, and coordinated safety planning.
Call to action: Support a Safer Journey.
Attendance and Welfare
With school approval and appropriate privacy protections, we monitor attendance and follow up confidentially when children are frequently late or absent. We engage caregivers, identify barriers early, and connect families with appropriate health, nutrition, disability, child-protection, or social-support services.
Call to action: Help a Child Stay in School.
Family and Community Support
We strengthen the support systems surrounding children through parenting information, family referrals, livelihood connections, community mobilization, school-community collaboration, and advocacy for inclusive education. Our goal is to build sustainable local solutions that help every child learn with dignity.
Call to action: Strengthen a Family and Community.