A Journey of Hope and Resilience: Augustine's Story

Published Thu, Jan 02, 2025
Written by Dana Kaltenberger

Augustine Major Conteh, a 14-year-old from Mayatta Village, is a bright and determined ninth-grade student at the EduNations Hope Academy Junior Secondary School in Mapainda. He hails from the Loko ethnic group of Sierra Leone and was born into a Christian home that, despite being filled with love, faces significant financial challenges. His father is a small-scale farmer, and his mother works as a petty trader to support the family.

In Augustine’s early childhood, his parents, unable to afford his education, sent him to live with his uncle in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, in hopes that he could attend school there. However, life in Freetown was not easy. Augustine faced numerous difficulties, from finding enough food to the risk of dropping out of school. His uncle eventually lost his job, leaving him unable to cover Augustine's school fees. As his struggles grew, Augustine’s parents, hearing of his hardships, asked him to return home to Mapainda Village.

In 2022, Augustine was given a new opportunity when he gained admission to EduNations' Hope Academy. He started seventh grade, grateful for the chance to continue his education. But even after his enrollment, Augustine struggled with doubts about his future. He often thought of dropping out of school altogether, unsure how he would manage.

Everything changed for Augustine when he attended a sex education session at the school, led by a psychosocial officer. During this session, he received not only valuable information but also mentorship on the importance of education and the challenges that come with pursuing it. The psychosocial officer’s words resonated deeply with Augustine. After the session, he was given the opportunity to speak privately with the officer, sharing his personal struggles. The officer assured him that he was not alone and offered ongoing support whenever he needed it.

Today, Augustine dreams of studying law and becoming a lawyer after graduating from EduNations High School. He knows that his journey will not be easy, but with the support of his school and the mentorship he’s received, he is more determined than ever to achieve his goals.

Augustine expresses his heartfelt thanks to EduNations and its generous donors for providing him with the gift of free, quality education and the invaluable guidance he needed to stay on his path. He prays that Jesus Christ will continue to bless and provide for all those who have made his education possible.