In many communities across Guinea, girls who leave school often see their dreams slip away.
For Hélène, that reality seemed unavoidable.
At just 13 years old, she had already dropped out of school because her family could no longer afford her education. While other children continued their studies, Hélène spent her days helping her mother with household chores.
“I would see other children going to school while I stayed at home,” she recalls. “I told myself that maybe that was my destiny.”
But Hélène’s story was far from over.
Everything changed when she heard about a new education project in her community.
Implemented by Plan International and funded by Irish Aid, the SQRIBE programme helps vulnerable and marginalised children access safe, inclusive and quality education. Through the project, a Non-Formal Accelerated Education (NAFA) centre opened in Hélène’s community, providing opportunities for children who had missed out on schooling.
One aspect of the programme immediately caught her attention: free sewing classes for out-of-school girls.
“I had always wanted to learn sewing,” Hélène says.
Although she was nervous, she asked her mother for permission to enrol.
“I had never touched a needle before, and I didn’t speak French very well. I couldn’t read or write. I was scared, but I decided to give it a try anyway.”
At the centre, Hélène began learning the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic and spoken French.
Slowly, her confidence grew.
She learned to write her name, read simple sentences and communicate more easily in French.
“I may not speak like someone who has been to university, but today I can understand and express myself in French, and that’s already a big victory for me.”
Alongside her academic studies, Hélène began vocational training in sewing.
Using sewing machines, fabrics and tools provided through the programme, she learned how to cut fabric, operate a sewing machine and create garments including dresses, skirts and shirts.
“I sewed my first dress all by myself,” she says. “I couldn’t believe it. I felt useful. I felt capable.”
For Hélène, the NAFA centre became much more than a place to learn.
It also became a space where girls could support one another, build friendships and discuss issues affecting their lives.
Sessions on girls’ rights, gender equality and reproductive health encouraged participants to think about their futures and better understand their rights.
“Thanks to the exchanges with my classmates, I learned to express myself and think about what I really want to do with my life,” Hélène explains. “I am no longer alone. I am part of a group of strong girls.”
The experience transformed her.
The shy girl who once believed her future had already been decided now has a clear vision for what comes next.
Today, Hélène dreams of opening her own sewing workshop.
But her ambitions extend beyond herself.
“I want to finish my training, open my own sewing workshop, and pass on what I have learned to other girls,” she says. “I want to show them that they can succeed too.”
Across the prefectures of Kissidougou, Guéckédou and Macenta, the SQRIBE programme is helping hundreds of vulnerable children return to learning, gain new skills and build brighter futures.
For Hélène, the impact has been life-changing.
Not only has she gained practical skills and educational opportunities, but she has also rediscovered her confidence, dignity and hope.
“Thank you to everyone who makes this project possible,” she says. “You have opened the doors to a new life for me and so many other girls. Thanks to you, we are no longer invisible. We are ready to build our future.”
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