HIRF’s 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. Building on this legacy, our current efforts focus on strengthening women-led organizations in Sierra Leone. Through a Comic Relief–funded initiative, HIRF works closely with local women-led organizations, equipping their leaders and staff with the tools to grow into strong, sustainable institutions.
Our training covers the full range of what it takes to run an effective organization, including governance and strategic planning, financial management, human resources, safeguarding, monitoring and evaluation, and grant writing. This is paired with ongoing mentoring so these organizations are positioned to secure funding and expand their impact in the communities they serve.
We also have supported women farmers, who make up nearly 70% of Sierra Leone’s agricultural labor force, through targeted training that improves productivity while fostering peer-to-peer collaboration among women farmers and market sellers.
HIRF has a long tradition of supporting vulnerable children in Sierra Leone. Our efforts provide the resources for the children to succeed at school and achieve their goals.
Today, HIRF supports the education of children and young adults, ages 6-23, through selected partners. Many have been part of the program for several years and are now advancing into higher levels of education, with several reaching key milestones such as university enrollment and senior secondary examinations. All students currently enrolled in university, ages 19–23, are female, underscoring HIRF’s strong support for young women pursuing higher education. HIRF also helps arrange health screenings for the children, protecting their long-term health.
Preparing for WASSCE was challenging, but I never felt alone. HIRF made sure we had what we needed, and the SIsters constantly encouraged and prayed for us. Their love and your generosity gave me confidence to complete my examinations. Thank you for helping me believe that I have a future.
HIRF has done much more than provide financial support. You have restored our confidence and dignity. The Sisters remind us every day that people across the world care about us. Today I am pursuing my university education because of your kindness.