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Born from one student's return home — grown into a movement for girls' education.

TAF is a community-based organization (CBO) founded in 2024 by Tamba Abdulai, a youth leader and alumnus of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program.

Our Story

Why we exist

After a transformative year studying in the United States, Tamba Abdulai returned to Sierra Leone inspired by the power of education. Seeing how poverty, early marriage, and cultural barriers kept many children — especially girls — out of school, he decided to act.

Tamba Abdulai Foundation program in Kono District
What Guides Us

Our Values

Equity

Every child deserves equal opportunity — no matter their gender, family income, or village.

Integrity

We are transparent and accountable in everything we do.

Compassion

We serve with empathy and respect, meeting families where they are.

Community-Led Change

We work with communities, not for them — local voices shape every program.

Sustainability

We focus on long-term impact: repaired pumps, trained parents, lasting habits.

Empowerment

We equip young people — especially girls — to lead their own communities forward.

Our Recent Achievements

2025 & 2024

2025/26 — 80 Girls, 25 Communities

With generous support from Upgrade for Africa and Les Pastras, TAF launched an education initiative benefiting 80 vulnerable girls across 25 communities in Kono District — full school support including uniforms, shoes, backpacks, learning materials, solar lights, and tuition fees.

We also built a three-room modern toilet block at Ansaru Islamic Secondary School and donated 100 benches and desks to three primary schools — improving sanitation, safety, and classroom comfort for hundreds of pupils. A distribution ceremony brought together government officials, parents, community leaders, and media.

2024 — 48 Girls & Digital Literacy

With support from Upgrade for Africa, Les Pastras, and other individuals, TAF helped 48 young girls in Kono District go to school for the 2024/2025 academic year, plus training for rural parents on girls' education and the law banning early marriage.

In 2021, with the YES Alumni Grant funded by the U.S. Department of State, we trained 75 young people in Kono District on basic computer literacy — Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and safe internet use — over five months.

Meet the Team

The people behind the work

Tamba Abdulai, Founder and Executive Director

Tamba Abdulai

Founder & Executive Director

YES Program Senior Alumni with degrees in Banking and Finance. Strong experience in Monitoring and Evaluation at Partners In Health Sierra Leone, working with local and international organizations to strengthen health systems, promote education, and advance community development.

Sorie Sesay, Strategic Advisor

Sorie Sesay

Strategic Advisor

Holds a Bachelor's degree, Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration, and a Master's Degree in Sustainable Development (Social Sustainability). Currently Head of Programme and Administration at Advocate for Social Justice and Development Sierra Leone, with 9 years managing donor interventions and gender-responsive programs.

Want to be part of the next chapter?

Whether it's support, a partnership, or your time — there's a place for you in this work.