Marian Pleasant Kargbo is an activist and the CEO and founder of Pleasant Children’s Foundation. She is majoring law at Fourah Bay College (University of Sierra Leone). She had her first degree in History and Political Science at the same university.
1. What inspired you to start up Pleasant Children Foundation?
Growing up as a child has been challenging, I remember seeing my parents going extra mile just to send me to school. After I sat my WASSCE I made a promise to myself to do all in my power to make sure education is a must for every child. We later moved to a very deprived community, the parents preferred sending their kids to sell than to school. I did a survey to know why most of the parents didn’t send their kids to school; most of them don’t have the resources to send their children to school. That same year I started paying fees for 10 kid and every year the number increases and I now pay fees for 50 children.
2. What are the challenges you have faced since you started your organisation?
The challenges are enormous. When I first started it, it was hard for people to believe in what I am doing. I was left with no choice but to use my hard earn money. There was a time I had to clear my bank account just to pay fees for my kids. Because of this, some men tried to take advantage of me. There was a time a gut told me he would help me design a very good project and I don’t have to be going about raising funds, but we most date first. It was my first and worst experience ever.
3. How do you get donors to fund your organization?
Having donors have been and is still a major challenge for me, for now I only have friends and relatives that support my work and donate. Recently, the Christian Centre church Foursquare USA sent us some funds and some school materials.
4. How do you balance classes and managing your organization?
Coping with classes and managing the organisation has been hectic, I can say. There are times when i will even forget that I am a student. But one thing I will say is, both have been successful because of my wonderful volunteers that are always around to help. But on a whole, it is quiet challenging.
5. What advice do you have for the youths, especially females?
My advice to the youths, especially females is to believe in themselves. The power of doing whatever they want is in their hands. Don’t allow a man to look low on you or intimidate you because of money. It only take time and patient to be whoever you want to be. Be discipline as a lady and know that you have the ability to achieve.
AUTHOR:
Marian Sarian Scotland-Nicol is a 3rd year student Business Administration major at the Institute of Public Administration and Management at the University of Sierra Leone. She is also a Make-up artist, marketer for Home-made furniture and a plus size model.
