Why Prosper works in Kenema District
- ellenarnison
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
Communities in this district have benefited from recent training programmes
Located in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, Kenema District is home to rich cultural heritage, vibrant markets, and a resilient population. However, daily life here is marked by significant socio-economic challenges, especially for women in rural areas many of whom have limited literacy.
One of the most pressing issues in Kenema is limited access to quality education. Although primary education is officially free, many families cannot afford uniforms, books, or transportation. The adult literacy rate remains low, particularly among women, limiting their opportunities for formal employment or business development (UNESCO, 2023). These women often rely on informal trade, which is vulnerable to market fluctuations and lacks legal protection.
Economic instability also hinders development. The district has abundant natural resources, including diamonds and timber, yet most locals do not benefit from these industries. Instead, they engage in small-scale farming or petty trading. Poor road networks and seasonal flooding make transporting goods to market difficult, reducing profits and increasing the risk of spoilage or loss.
Furthermore, gender inequality shapes many aspects of life in Kenema. Social norms often prevent women from owning land, accessing credit or participating in decision-making. As well as being responsible for children, many women work long hours in agriculture or trade with little recognition or support. For illiterate women, these barriers are compounded by their inability to read contracts, signage, or training materials.
Despite these challenges, local women demonstrate remarkable resilience and entrepreneurship. Prosper’s image-based training programme has shown success at improving livelihoods. By equipping women with practical business skills and community support, will continue to make a measurable difference.
CEO Fred Fenwick said: “We chose Kenema District as somewhere to run our business training programmes because we can have the most impact. The combination of lack of access to education and hard-to-reach rural locations mean we have the potential to make a difference to many people’s lives.”
References:
UNESCO Institute for Statistics. (2023). Sierra Leone Education Profile.
World Health Organization. (2022). Health System Strengthening in Sierra Leone.
Government of Sierra Leone. (2021). National Development Plan 2019–2023.
