In the village of Koutaya, where education had always been out of reach, URBOND’s construction of the first ever school has transformed the future of its children. For 9 year-old Rama, who once walked kilometres, risking her live daily to receive the education she deserves, the new school has opened a world of possibility for Rama and many children in Koutaya. Now learning in proper classrooms, locally, with trained teachers, her confidence has soared and she dreams of becoming a nurse something she never imagined before.

For her father, Amadou, the change feels almost unreal. He shared: “I was born and raised in this village and we had never imagined this kind of infrastructure would happen in our lifetime. To see my daughter walk into a real school every morning is something I never thought I would witness.”

URBOND’s school has not only reshaped Rama’s future but has given the entire community renewed hope, proof that transformative change can reach even the most overlooked places.

Mamadama Sylla, a 14-year-old student from Dubréka, the Republic of Guinea, struggled with period poverty before benefiting from URBOND Child Education Girls Programme. Her family could not afford sanitary pads and her school lacked private toilets for girls, forcing her to use improvised cloths and miss several days of school each month. The shame and fear of leakage affected her confidence and academic performance, putting her at risk of dropping out.

Through URBOND’s Girls Education and Menstrual Health initiative, Mamadama attended a menstrual health workshop that taught her how to manage her period safely and helped break the stigma she felt. She received a reusable hygiene kit made by local women trained by URBOND, giving her reliable, long-term menstrual supplies. At the same time, URBOND supported her school with improved girls’ toilet facilities, providing privacy and proper hygiene conditions.

These interventions transformed Mamadama’s school experience. Her attendance improved significantly, she became more confident and her academic performance began to rise. She now encourages other girls to stay in school and manage their periods with dignity. Mamadama’s story shows how URBOND’s community driven approach to menstrual health can remove barriers to education and empower girls to thrive.

Kadiatou, a young girl from a family of six, once stood on the verge of giving up her education. Her parents struggled to cover even the most basic living expenses and despite her passion for learning, the financial burden became overwhelming. As her attendance declined and hope faded, Kadiatou faced the heartbreaking reality that she might have to leave school entirely.

When URBOND representatives learned of her situation, her case was assessed and she was welcomed into the organisation’s Sponsor a Child Campaign. With just £33 per month, URBOND removed the barriers standing in the way of her education, providing school fees, materials and the support she urgently needed.

Two years later, the impact is tremendous. Kadiatou now attends English and IT classes, goes to school consistently, performs well and has regained the confidence and ambition she nearly lost. Her parents once weighed down by worry now speak with pride and relief, knowing their daughter’s future is once again full of possibility.

Kadiatou’s story shows the power of a single sponsorship to transform a life. URBOND’s support has not only kept her in school it has given her back her dream of becoming a pilot.

When URBOND built the multi-sport court, it transformed life for Boye, a quiet 16 year old who rarely had safe places to play. The court became his escape, a place where he discovered Basketball, made friends and slowly built the confidence he never knew he had. He grew stronger, happier and even improved in school as he learned discipline and teamwork through sport. For Boye and many other young people, the court isn’t just concrete and paint; it is hope, belonging and a safe path forward.

Now, the court is deteriorating. Cracks spread across the surface, the hoops wobble, and the fencing is torn. The space that once buzzed with energy has fallen nearly silent. Boye says, “Watching it fall apart feels like losing a part of ourselves.” The sadness is shared across the community, where young people are losing not just a sports facility, but the place that helped shape their confidence, friendships and future. Restoring it means restoring that hope.