University Education Appeal
Help Them Finish What They Started
Help 15 young people in Sierra Leone continue their tertiary education.Â
Our goal: AUD $6,000 by the end of 2026
Fifteen students. One shared opportunity.
Keep Their Education Within Reach
For many young people in Sierra Leone, university is a dream that can seem impossibly far away.
At The Fig Tree Children, we’ve had the privilege of watching young people overcome significant challenges, work hard at school and achieve something extraordinary: the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Today, 15 of the 86 young people supported by The Fig Tree Children are pursuing tertiary education. Some are just beginning their studies, while others are preparing to graduate. Each has a different story, but they share something important: the determination to build a better future.
Last year, Mohamed, whom Jane sponsors, graduated with a higher diploma in computer science.
Students pursuing their futures
Grace
Grace is graduating from Nursing this year and has been gaining practical experience through a hospital placement, with support from Alison and Emily.
Joseph
Joseph, sponsored by Sean and Cass, is preparing to graduate in Human Resources & Management this year.
Gadiru
Gadiru is in his first year studying for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking, with support from the team at Excite Media.
Christiana
Christiana is also graduating from Nursing this year and has been gaining practical experience through a hospital placement, with support from Rebecca.
These students show what sustained support can make possible.
Your donation can help them continue towards their qualifications.
The challenge: getting them across the finish line
Our regular sponsorship programme helps cover educational costs, but university and tertiary fees are considerably higher than the amounts we can allocate from sponsorship contributions alone.
Of the 15 young people pursuing tertiary education, five currently have no individual sponsors. If you would like to sponsor one of these 5 students, you can do so here: Sponsor a student.
Based on last year’s fees, even after allocating available sponsorship contributions, we face an estimated shortfall of 82,874 New Leones – approximately AUD $5,000.
We’re aiming to raise AUD $6,000 to help cover this shortfall and provide some flexibility for changes in fees, exchange rates and essential education-related costs.
* Musu (above) was the first of The Fig Tree Children to graduate with a diploma in Banking & Finance
Meet some of the Students who are in Tertiary Education
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Simeon
Electrical engineering offers promising career opportunities in Sierra Leone, particularly in renewable energy, mining, telecommunications and infrastructure development. As the country expands access to electricity and invests in essential services, skilled electrical engineers will have an important role to play in its future development.
It costs $220 AUD to support a student studying for a diploma in electrical & electronics engineering for one year.
Nursing/Midwifery: Emma
Nursing offers valuable career opportunities in Sierra Leone, with hospitals, private healthcare facilities, and international humanitarian organisations needing qualified nurses. As the country works to strengthen its healthcare system, skilled nurses play a vital role in improving access to quality medical care and supporting healthier communities.Â
It costs between $280 AUD and $900 AUD to support a student studying nursing or midwifery for one year, depending on the institution and level of degree.
Building & Civil Engineering: Peter
Building and civil engineering offer valuable career opportunities in Sierra Leone, particularly in construction, mining, renewable energy and infrastructure development. As the country continues to improve its roads, housing, and essential services, skilled engineers play an important role in building stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities.Â
It costs $600 AUD to support a student studying building and civil engineering for one year.
Give Them the Chance to Continue
Hannah, sponsored by Isobelle, is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
Public health offers valuable career opportunities in Sierra Leone, particularly within government health services, international humanitarian organisations and community health programmes. As the country continues to strengthen its healthcare system, public health professionals play a vital role in preventing disease, improving healthcare access and protecting vulnerable communities. With the right education and opportunities, young people can help build a healthier, more resilient future for Sierra Leone.