In a major stride towards eliminating harmful traditional practices, especially the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice, the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM-SL) has marked another milestone development in Sierra Leone.

On Saturday, 5th October 2024, AIM-SL handed over a newly constructed primary school and skills training center to the people of Rothumba Village, Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District.

This initiative, supported by BMZ and PfefferminzGreen from Germany, underscores AIM-SL’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women and girls through education and empowerment.

Rugiatu Neneh Turay, the Director of AIM-SL and a tireless advocate for women’s rights, expressed her gratitude to the stakeholders of Rothumba for their collaborative efforts in completing the project. She emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the dangers faced by women and girls, particularly in remote communities where harmful practices like FGM are prioritized over education.

“What my organization and our sponsors aim to do is identify communities in need and work with local leaders to address their challenges,” Turay explained.

“We don’t impose projects; we build based on the community’s expressed needs. Education is a life-changing tool, and our goal is to ensure that women and girls can access it rather than being subjected to harmful traditions.”

Turay’s message was clear: the prioritization of education over harmful practices like FGM is critical for community development.

She called on women to refrain from subjecting their daughters to practices that can have devastating consequences, including unnecessary deaths.

“FGM respects no age and has lasting, excruciating impacts,” Turay stressed.

“Stop selling your daughters and women to Soweis. Instead, invest in their education—it will not only change their lives but also the future of the entire community.”

Turay also discussed her organization’s work to modernize traditional practices through the concept of “bloodless bondo,” which preserves cultural heritage while eliminating FGM. She affirmed that the organization’s goal is not to eradicate the bondo society but to reform it in a way that respects women’s rights and protects their health.

Stella Rethenburger, the head of PfefferminzGreen and one of the sponsors of the project, spoke of her long-standing partnership with AIM-SL. Since 2016,Rethenburger and her organization have worked closely with Turay to implement projects that respond to the real needs of communities. She highlighted that the new school and training center at Rothumba is only the beginning of a broader effort to uplift vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone.

“We are committed to supporting AIM-SL’s mission to improve the lives of women and girls through education and skills training. These projects are transformative, and we urge the community to safeguard them for future generations,” Rethenburger stated.

The local leadership, represented by Section Chief Pa Alimamy, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the projects, describing them as life-changing for a community that has existed for centuries without such opportunities.

He praised AIM-SL and its partners for their generosity and vision, pledging to protect and maintain the facilities.

The beneficiaries-women and students-echoed these sentiments, thanking AIM-SL for its unrelenting support and vowing to use the new resources to better their lives.

As Sierra Leone continues its fight against harmful traditional practices, activists like Rugiatu Turay and organizations like AIM-SL remain at the forefront, pushing for change and offering sustainable solutions that empower women and girls.

Their work not only saves lives but also builds a future where education and empowerment are the cornerstones of community development.