Our Mission
To support children and young people in Sierra Leone in building brighter futures through opportunities for growth and development.
Our Vision
A world where every child, regardless of background or financial status, has equal access to the resources and support needed to realise their full potential. We believe education is the foundation for a brighter future, and we are dedicated to turning this vision into reality. Through our work, we aim to create a more equitable, sustainable world where all children have the chance to succeed and thrive.
What We Do
The Fig Tree Children has been making a positive impact on the lives of children and youth in Sierra Leone since September 2015. Our efforts provide resources that allow carers to support and educate their children.
The devastating Ebola outbreak compounded the already dire situation faced by the country, which had already been ravaged by a decade-long civil war. The epidemic left an estimated 12,000 children orphaned, with many of them facing exploitation, discrimination, and the threat of human trafficking.
Our efforts are focused on Sierra Leone where we provide support to the sponsored child’s carer and pay school fees directly to the schools their children attend. We believe in providing these young ones with the best possible education and support so that they may overcome their difficult circumstances and reach their full potential.
photo © The Fig Tree Children – a Christmas day trip to River No.2 Beach
Our Story
The Fig Tree Children is a non-profit organisation based in Brisbane, started by Jane Shakespeare in 2015 with the goal of supporting orphaned and vulnerable children and youth in Sierra Leone. Jane’s journey with TFTC began with a trip to Sierra Leone in February 2006, where she sought to understand the impact of microcredit initiatives on women’s lives.
The impact of the ten-year civil war, which ended in 2002, was very apparent. There were many orphans and young people displaced, living on the streets and in need of care and support.
Many of these children were taken in by extended family members, friends, or members of their communities who opened their homes and hearts to these displaced children, despite the challenges these carers faced in providing for their own families.
With Fr. Peter Konteh’s support, Jane established The Fig Tree Children, with a focus on supporting these carers and providing the children in their care with access to education and a brighter future. The organisation continues to work towards this goal, striving to give children the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Photo ©️ The Fig Tree Children: Jane in Funkia Town, Sierra Leone at a workshop run by Dr Greg Mews from University of the Sunshine Coast, Dreamtown and Youth Dream Centre, Nov 2022
Different ways you can help
Give an opportunity today
Become a supporter of an orphaned or vulnerable child or young person in Sierra Leone today. For just AUD$ 53 per month, you can provide a world of opportunity and support. Your contribution will cover their school fees and provide them with all the necessary materials, including a uniform, backpack, books, writing utensils, shoes, and more. Additionally, your support will also provide a monthly allowance to the child’s carer. This replaces what a child could earn by being sent out to work.
Beyond the classroom, these children also benefit from opportunities to socialise and play with their peers through organised outings and activities. Our programs also extend a helping hand by providing essential items, such as comfortable bedding, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, necessary medical supplies, food, clothing, hygiene kits, radios for remote learning, sanitary products, Veronika buckets, etc.
Buy one girl a year's supply of Sanitary Pads
Help us provide a girl in Sierra Leone with a year's worth of sanitary pads, either reusable or disposable depending on her preference and situation, for just $30 AUD ($17 GBP).
Unfortunately, many girls in Sierra Leone can't afford sanitary pads and have to resort to using scraps of cloth, called "pieces", which can lead to unreliable and unsanitary conditions during their menstrual cycles.
The Fig Tree Ambassador Programme
Become a Fig Tree Ambassador by making a regular donation. Monthly donations are so important to us – and so deeply appreciated. Those crucial regular contributions, no matter how small, allow us to plan our work with greater certainty. Our three Ambassador levels are:
$10 AUD per month – Bronze
$15 AUD per month – Silver
$25 AUD per month – Gold
Our Target: 100 Ambassadors!
Emergency Medical Fund
When illness strikes children or their guardians, we aim to offer support. Our goal is to ensure they receive proper medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional, covering the costs of any necessary treatments or medications. A recent example of this support was when a child was burned in a pot of boiling water. Our in-country program manager worked with Fig Tree Children Funding to secure the medical attention the child needed and they are now recovering well. Another case involved a boy who required an appendix removal surgery, which was funded by donors of The Fig Tree Children.
Become a Volunteer Today
Have you ever wanted to directly make a difference and give an opportunity to a child living in one of the poorest countries in the world but can’t commit to donating financially? Volunteering your time to help The Fig Tree Children is another way you can make a real difference. Contact us to find out more.
We’ve Raised Over $435,000
85% of funds raised are for the direct benefit of the children in the Fig Tree programme. We pay school fees directly to the school each of the children attends, buy school materials (uniform, shoes, bag, books, pens, pencils, etc) and give the child’s carer a monthly allowance to help them provide for the child in their care. See all of our financial reports here.
No donation is too small
We are currently providing opportunities for 85 children and youth in Sierra Leone
These children are located in Allentown, Freetown, Bo, Makeni, Newton, Waterloo and Kenema. We want to be able to reach out to children who are living even more remotely. Unfortunately, at this time, our resources do not allow us to travel further afield than we already do.
Photo ©️ The Fig Tree Children: one of our beneficiaries in school
Our blog
Research and experiences from our work in Sierra Leone
The Fig Tree Giving Guide 2024
Make gift-giving meaningful: With gifts that show you careIntroducing our 2024 Giving Guide! Finding the perfect gift can be challenging, especially for those who seem to have everything. That's where The Giving Guide comes in. Discover a selection...
The Giving Guide 2021
Make gift-giving meaningful: With gifts that show you careIt can be so hard to think of good present ideas – especially for someone that seems to have it all! That’s why we’ve put together The Giving Guide. The Giving Guide highlights just a few of...
Capabilities Approach
Work from development economists can be difficult for any layman to remember, particularly because there is still so much unnecessary poverty and suffering in this world. There is, however, the theory entitled The Capabilities Approach that,...
Freetown Landslide
A lot can happen in three years, especially in the eyes of a child. In Freetown, this is an understatement. On the 14 of August 2017 the citizens of Freetown had experienced the impacts of a devastating landslide that left over 1,000 people dead or...
A day in the life of Christiana
Christiana*Let’s spend a day with Christiana. Christiana lives with her father and brother, Peter. Her father had to stay at home to care for Peter after his son got sick, and as a result, he lost his job as a driver. His wife (the children’s...
World Children’s Day
Encourage Change this World Children’s Day: November 20, 2020November 20 is a significant historical date for children, their wellbeing and safety worldwide. With the UN General Assembly adopting both the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and...
Partners
Corporate Sponsors
Ready to sip on mulled wine, enjoy a mouthwatering Christmas feast, and get cozy in the winter vibes — all while making a difference?
Join us on Saturday, 26th from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM at the incredible Method to the Madness for a night of food, music, and heart. 💛
Every ticket helps support The Fig Tree Children and creates opportunities for marginalised children and youth in Sierra Leone. 🌍
🎟️ Book your spot here: https://events.humanitix.com/christmas-in-july-2025-uj2cd97d
Tag your festive crew & let’s celebrate for a cause! 🥂
#ChristmasInJuly #BrisbaneEvents #KenmoreEats #TheFigTreeChildren #SupportForACause #CommunityLove #WinterNights #FundraiserEvent #BrisbaneCharity
Every child deserves support, care, and a future filled with possibility—and you can help make that happen.
Sponsor a child or donate today — link in bio!
#TheFigTreeChildren #SponsorAChild #ProvidingOpportunity #SierraLeone #EducationForAll
This is where the impact begins 🌍
#TheFigTreeChildren #FigTreeFoundation #MakingADifference #SierraLeone #Groundwork #HopeInAction
Joy, unity, and endless smiles 🧡
Sports Day 2018 with The Fig Tree Children was a celebration of community, confidence, and childhood.
Events like these go beyond fun—they empower children, build confidence, and create lifelong memories.
#TheFigTreeChildren #SportsDayFun #EmpowerThroughPlay #SierraLeone #ChildhoodJoy
The Fig Tree Children was founded on the belief that every child deserves opportunity, safety, and love.
What started as one connection has grown into a powerful movement changing the lives of children across Sierra Leone.
Want to be part of something meaningful? Sponsorships change lives—not just for these kids, but for the communities they grow up in.
Tap the link in our bio to learn more 🌿
#TheFigTreeChildren #EmpowerEveryChild #HeartOfTheMission #SponsorAChild #SocialGood #InspireChange #ChildrensCharity #HopeInAction
Look at those smiles. 💛
This is what hope looks like. This is what impact feels like.
Through your donations and sponsorships, children in Sierra Leone receive more than just school fees or supplies—they receive dignity, opportunity, and the chance to just be kids.
Every small act of generosity goes a long, long way.
Want to help more kids smile like this? Head to the link in our bio to learn how you can sponsor a child today.
#TheFigTreeChildren #HopeInEverySmile #SponsorAChild #EducationMatters #JoyInAction #MakeADifference #SierraLeone #NonprofitLove
Throwback to this heartwarming photo from 2017 💛
Meet four incredible friends who share more than just school—they share strength, laughter, and hope.
Though each of them has experienced deep loss, their smiles light up everything around them. Their friendship is proof that love and resilience can bloom even in the toughest of environments.
This is why we do what we do—to support children like these girls with the opportunity to dream, grow, and stay in school.
📚 Because every child deserves a future full of possibility.
🔗 Sponsor a child: https://thefigtreechildren.org/give-an-opportunity/
🔗 Make a donation: https://thefigtreechildren.org/donations/donationform/
#TheFigTreeChildren #ThrowbackMagic #GirlsWithDreams #FriendsForLife #EducationIsPower #HopeInAction #NonprofitLove #ChildhoodMatters #ResilienceAndJoy
From babies full of potential to young students in school uniform—every child is a reminder of why we do what we do.
Education changes everything. And for many of these kids, it’s not easy to access. That’s why your support matters so much.
💡 Sponsor a child.
📚 Give the gift of education.
🌍 Help build a brighter future.
🔗 Sponsor a child: https://thefigtreechildren.org/give-an-opportunity/
🔗 Make a donation: https://thefigtreechildren.org/donations/donationform/
#TheFigTreeChildren #ThrowbackLove #EveryChildMatters #EducationIsHope #SponsorAChild #GlobalImpact #NonprofitWork #HopeForSierraLeone
Every visit to Sierra Leone reminds us why we do what we do. These children are not just part of a program—they’re part of a global family filled with love, strength, and hope.
Each smile tells a story of resilience, and every child we support holds a special place in our hearts 💫
#TheFigTreeChildren #ChildSponsorship #GlobalFamily #SierraLeone #NonProfitLove #HopeInAction #EducationForAll
These photos are a reminder of what happens when love, support, and opportunity come together 💛
Here are just a few of the fantastic carers and children who are part of The Fig Tree Children’s family in Sierra Leone. Our carers go above and beyond, raising children with compassion and strength, even in incredibly tough circumstances.
With help from our amazing sponsors, we support these carers with a monthly allowance—ensuring the children in their care have access to food, education, and emotional support.
🧡 These moments remind us: it takes a village—and this village is full of heart.
#TheFigTreeChildren #ItTakesAVillage #CarersAreHeroes #ChildSponsorship #HopeForEveryChild #CommunityOfCare #SupportMatters #SierraLeone #NonprofitLove #TogetherWeCan
Thanks to Zonta Club of Brisbane Sunrise, many of our girls in Sierra Leone now have something they’ve never had before—or only had one of: a properly fitting bra.
🧺 This small but powerful gift restores dignity, comfort, and confidence—and shows just how deeply care and kindness can reach.
Zonta provided funds and a Kmart voucher that helped us purchase much-needed underwear, which was included in our latest container shipment filled with educational materials, clothing, medical supplies, solar lights, soap and other essential items.
You can see it in their faces—how much it means to be seen, supported, and valued.
Thank you, Zonta, for helping us lift up young girls with real, lasting impact.
#TheFigTreeChildren #EmpowerHer #GirlsSupportGirls #ZontaBrisbaneSunrise #SmallThingsBigImpact #EducationAndDignity #ChildSponsorship #Gratitude #SierraLeone #GirlsDeserveBetter
In Sierra Leone, many girls marry too early—not by choice, but because lack of education leaves them with little to no options.
This photo from Jane’s 2019 visit reminds us why The Fig Tree Children is committed to empowering girls through education. By keeping them in school and providing skills training, we help give them the tools to shape their own future.
Education means independence. It means these young girls can grow up with choices, confidence, and the ability to decide their own path.
You can help make this possible. Sponsor a child, support a program, or spread the word—every effort creates change.
#GirlsEducation #TheFigTreeChildren #EmpowerHer #EducationForAll #BreakingBarriers #FutureLeaders #ChildSponsorship
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Please contact us using the contact methods below. Thank you
PO Box 736, Paddington Queensland 4064
Call Us: +61 431 895 733
REGISTERED CHARITY
SECURE SITE
We acknowledge the First Nations People of Australia as the custodians and traditional owners of the land from which we advocate for improving access to quality education for and providing opportunities for orphaned and vulnerable children and youths (male and female) in Sierra Leone. We pay our respect to Indigenous Elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land. This is, was and always will be Aboriginal land.