Empowerment Programs

Healey International Relief Foundation is dedicated to empowering women and ensuring that vulnerable children can thrive at school. We believe that sustainable change comes from improving livelihoods and supporting children’s education.

EDUCATION

HIRF has a long tradition of supporting vulnerable children in Sierra Leone. From our support of St. Mary’s Home during the war to our present day work with vulnerable children at St. Mary’s Fatima ICC. Our efforts provide the resources for the children to succeed at school and achieve their goals.

Though our participation in Partnering to Serve Humanity we have provided food assistance to schools to help address food insecurity issues. Hunger can impact a child’s ability to concentrate and focus, both of which are essential for success in school.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

HIRF early efforts focused on supporting vulnerable women. Starting with our first project, Fatima House of Light, we provided vocational training to women affected by the war. Currently, our efforts focus on capacity building for women farmers. Despite making up nearly 70% of the agricultural labor force in Sierra Leone, women often lack access to resources that could boost their crop productivity and improve their livelihoods.

Through targeted training programs, we empower women to adopt practices that enhance productivity while safeguarding the environment. Simultaneously, we foster peer-to-peer relationships, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among women farmers and market sellers, driving local business community development.