May 17, 2025 – Bright Light Projects (BLP) proudly celebrates the graduation of nine remarkable women from the Sierra Leone Opportunities Industrialization Center (SLOIC) in Makeni, Bombali District, as part of our transformative Girls Shall Rise (GSR) campaign. This milestone marks the third batch of graduates under BLP’s long-standing partnership with SLOIC, a testament to our commitment to empowering survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), commercial sex workers, and women living with HIV/AIDS.
The graduation ceremony, attended by community stakeholders, local council chiefs, youth advocacy groups, partners, family members, and well-wishers, showcased the resilience and determination of these nine women. Trained in disciplines such as Tailoring and Fashion Design and Home Management and Catering, these graduates are now equipped with the skills to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The GSR campaign has a long-term goal of transforming Gender-Based Violence victims and commercial sex workers into serial entrepreneurs through skills training in BLP operational communities in Sierra Leone, currently in Bombali and Western Area Rural Districts. This aligns with BLP’s vision to promote self-reliance and positive community development. BLP is a strong advocate for stronger women building stronger communities through implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This graduation marks a turning point in the lives of the girls
We extend heartfelt congratulations to the BLP Class of 2025 at SLOIC Makeni for their hard work and dedication. Thank you to our partners, donors, team members, and supporters for making this milestone possible.
Join us in celebrating these inspiring women and their journey toward self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and community resilience
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