In Sierra Leone, a country where inequalities disproportionately affect women and girls, the work of the Augustinian Recollects is making a crucial difference. 
Since its arrival in the African country, the Order has been developing a comprehensive project to empower women, support families and provide an educational opportunity for girls in vulnerable situations. Fr. Jess Marco Sanchez is one of the religious coordinating the initiative, which is supported by ARCORES International. Jess says, “This project is making a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of these communities.
Supporting women: the road to strengthening families
The situation of women in Sierra Leone is particularly complex. Most face constraints imposed by poverty, lack of access to education and cultural barriers. For many, opportunities for development are extremely limited, and the support of their families depends to a large extent on the small businesses they manage to run. In this context, the Augustinian Recollects have established a financial support and community organizing project focused on these struggling women.
“This project is making a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of these communities.”
Through the organization of local market women, and with the slogan “Ta mareneh ta wopeneh,” which in the Temne language means “shared support for community success,” this program seeks to strengthen families through women’s empowerment.
“Each month, complementary financial support is offered to these women’s savings, giving them access to interest-free microcredits that are essential for the growth of their small businesses. With these funds, the women not only support their families, but also contribute to the prosperity of their community environment, creating opportunities where previously there were only shortages,” says Fr.
“Ta mareneh ta wopeneh,” which in the Temne language means “shared support for community success,” this program seeks to strengthen families by empowering women.
Girls’ education: breaking the cycle of poverty
“In Sierra Leone, the education of girls is still a great challenge,” says one of the directors of the boarding school that the Augustinian Recollects and ARCORES International coordinate in Kamalo. 
“Poverty, cultural norms and lack of infrastructure are just some of the obstacles that prevent girls from being able to go to school.” Faced with this reality, the Augustinian Recollects have launched an initiative that provides education to the most vulnerable girls, building a different and hopeful future for them.
With the help of ARCORES International, 12 girls have been welcomed into a specially equipped boarding school this year to ensure their access to education. “These girls, who would otherwise have been relegated to the confines of the home or child labor, now have the opportunity to learn, grow and become future leaders in their communities. Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and these efforts are planting the seeds of change that will transform the lives of generations to come,” says one of the girls’ caregivers.
With the help of ARCORES International, 12 girls have been placed this year in a boarding school specially equipped to ensure their access to education.
Building sustainable communities
ARCORES International volunteers are also playing a key role in the mission of the Augustinian Recollects in Sierra Leone. 
Its work ranges from building schools and drilling drinking water wells, to conducting sanitation workshops and visiting the neediest families in the most remote villages. These activities are generating a direct and positive impact, not only at the individual level, but also at the community level, promoting sustainable development that involves everyone.
Fr. Elpidio Sarita Jr. is another Augustinian Recollect religious working in Sierra Leone. According to him, “every well, every brick and every workshop represents one more step towards a more just and equitable Sierra Leone”. This holistic approach of the Augustinian Recollects is not only meeting basic needs, but also building a path to self-sufficiency and hope for these communities.
“The future is in your hands.”
The work of the Augustinian Recollects in Sierra Leone is a testament to the power of international commitment and solidarity. By empowering women, educating girls and working directly in community development, they are contributing to the building of a stronger and more equitable society. Much remains to be done, but the seed of change has already been planted and is beginning to bear fruit.
Fr. Jess is convinced that “the Augustinian Recollects of Sierra Leone and the volunteers of ARCORES International will continue our mission with the firm conviction that, with the right support, every woman, every girl and every family can transform their present and build a future full of opportunities. The future is in their hands.