đź’Ž The Story Behind The Sparkle đź’Ž
Girls in Sierra Leone are ready to change their story.
Sierra Leone is rich in diamonds—but the communities where these stones are mined remain locked in poverty. In these areas, young girls face crushing odds:
Over 85% are affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
1 in 3 experience family violence before the age of 18
More than 25% become teenage mothers
Only 57% make it to secondary school
These are not just statistics. These are our students. Their voices are calling out—not for rescue, but for opportunity.
The Power of Local Girls, Leading Change
We’re launching a grassroots initiative—led by girls, for girls—that delivers education, wellbeing, and dignity to 730 young women in our care.
With your help, we will raise $34,000 to:
✅ Cover school fees for 730 girls in primary and secondary school for 2025–2026
✅ Support 43 orphaned girls living in our safe Children’s Villages
âś… Employ a female social worker to deliver vital programs in:
Healthy relationships & family violence prevention
Sexual and reproductive health
Peer mentoring and self-advocacy
These sessions are not top-down—they’re designed by the girls themselves, responding to what they say they need to stay safe, stay in school, and thrive.
This Is Just the Beginning
Once the goal is reached, we will continue the journey with:
Micro-business support (like our rice-loan program) to relieve financial pressure on families
Women-led FGM Change Groups to educate, raise awareness, and support survivors
Ongoing scholarships for tertiary and vocational education
This is how we break the cycle—from emergency relief to long-term empowerment.
Our Impact
Meet the Founder
Steve, the visionary behind I AM SOMEONE, embarked on a transformative journey to redefine charitable giving. With nearly 30 years of experience in international development, Steve was determined to establish an organisation that ensures donors’ money reaches where it makes the most significant impact.
In 2005, driven by his profound passion for improving the lives of children and fostering positive change in remote communities, Steve founded I AM SOMEONE to provide a clear and effective path for donors to see their contributions create real, lasting change.
Steve’s commitment to this mission was ignited by a deeply personal experience. In 2000, witnessing the devastating plight of child soldiers in Sierra Leone during the civil war, he felt an urgent call to act. By 2005, he had sold his home and invested his resources into this cause, pursuing his dream of supporting the world’s most vulnerable children. Combining his background as a fine art student with his charitable efforts, Steve uses recycled timber blocks featuring his photography as a creative fundraising tool, blending artistry with philanthropy.