Our Mission
To support children and youth 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 Peter’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 a child an opportunity today
Become a supporter of an orphaned or vulnerable child or youth 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 monthly assistance to the child’s carer.
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
In Sierra Leone, carers play a crucial role in raising and protecting orphaned and vulnerable children. They provide love, safety, and guidance—often against all odds.
When Jane visited Sierra Leone, she met with these incredible individuals, hearing their stories of resilience, hope, and strength. Supporting them means supporting the children in their care.
You can help. Sponsor, donate, or spread the word. Every action makes a difference.
Sponsor a child: https://thefigtreechildren.org/give-an-opportunity/
Donations: https://thefigtreechildren.org/donations/donationform/
#TheFigTreeChildren #CarersAreHeroes #SupportMatters #BrighterFutures #MakeAnImpact
The Fig Tree Children has been changing lives in Sierra Leones since 2015. After war and the Ebola crisis left thousands orphaned, we stepped in to provide education, support, and care.
🎒 We pay school fees directly to schools.
💡 We support carers so children can grow up in safe environments.
🌍 We believe every child deserves a chance to thrive.
YOU can be a part of this journey. Sponsor a child today and give the gift of education and hope by clicking this link: https://thefigtreechildren.org/give-an-opportunity/
#TheFigTreeChildren #GiveBack #EducationMatters #BrighterFutures #changealife
A school bag filled with books and supplies. A future filled with possibilities.
These incredible kids in Sierra Leone now have the school materials they need—all thanks to our amazing donors and sponsors! 💛
For many, something as simple as a notebook can be the difference between staying in school or falling behind. Your support provides more than supplies—it provides hope, confidence, and a chance at a better future.
💛 Sponsorship ensures ongoing support for education, healthcare, and daily needs.
Let’s continue making a difference together! Donate or sponsor a child today:
DONATE: https://thefigtreechildren.org/donations/donationform/
SPONSOR: https://thefigtreechildren.org/give-an-opportunity/
#TheFigTreeChildren #EducationMatters #GiveBack #ChildSponsorship #brighterfutures
For 10 years, @meganwinter has been sponsoring children through The Fig Tree Children. Her generosity has changed lives—and she calls it a non-negotiable. Today, she is sponsoring ten children.
💛 Thank you, Megan, for your incredible commitment and generosity. Your support means the world to these children and their future.
Sponsoring a child isn’t just about giving—it’s about making a real impact and recognising the privilege we often take for granted.
Could you be the next person to make a difference? 🌍✨
💡 Learn more about child sponsorship: https://thefigtreechildren.org/give-an-opportunity/
#TheFigTreeChildren #ChildSponsorship #GiveBack #MakeADifference #BrighterFutures
Six months ago, 84 children received school materials thanks to your support! ✨📚
Fast forward to today, and these young learners are making the most of every opportunity. Your generosity has helped them stay in school, dream bigger, and build a brighter future.
💛 To our sponsors, donors, and carers—this impact is because of you. Thank you!
We’re committed to continuing this journey, but we need your help. Let’s make education possible for even more children. 🌍
📢 Support a child’s education today: https://thefigtreechildren.org/give-an-opportunity/
#TheFigTreeChildren #EducationMatters #EveryChildDeservesAnEducation #BrighterFutures #MakeAnImpact
🌱 Join the Fig Tree Ambassador Family! 🌱
A small monthly donation can make a huge difference for children in Sierra Leone. Your support helps provide education, health care, and life-changing opportunities.
💛 Every contribution matters.
💛 Every child deserves a brighter future.
💛 Every act of kindness creates change.
By giving regularly, you help us plan ahead and create sustainable impact. Ready to be part of something bigger?
👉 Become a Fig Tree Ambassador today: https://thefigtreechildren.org/donations/become-an-ambassador/
#TheFigTreeChildren #FigTreeAmbassador #GiveBack #SustainableImpact #MakeADifference #forthechildren
📢 Periods shouldn’t stop education!
Thanks to your generosity, 88 girls in Sierra Leone now have access to sanitary pads, and $440 has gone to our Emergency Health Fund! 💜 But there are still so many who need our support.
Our goal: Provide 200 girls with a year’s supply of sanitary pads. A simple donation can keep a girl in school, give her confidence, and change her future.
Join us in making a difference. Donate today! https://www.thefigtreechildren.org/donation-form-sanitary-pads/
#TheFigTreeChildren #EndPeriodPoverty #GirlsDeserveBetter #EducationForAll #DonateForChange
🎁 Gifting with Purpose 🎁
Looking for a meaningful gift? When you shop at The Fig Tree Gift Shop, you’re not just buying a beautiful, handcrafted item—you’re changing lives.
✨ 50% of all profits go directly to supporting The Fig Tree Children, helping provide education, healthcare, and opportunities for children in Sierra Leone.
Plus, every purchase supports talented artisans and small businesses who handcraft these unique products. It’s a win-win!
Shop with impact today: https://thefigtreegiftshop.com.au/
#ShopForGood #TheFigTreeGiftShop #SocialEnterprise #HandcraftedWithLove #EthicalShopping #TheFigTreeChildren
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.