Hawanatu’s Journey from Loss to Leadership

Hawanatu endured profound loss at an early age. Her parents died and she was left on her own, unable to continue her education and often without enough food. At night, she would cry herself to sleep. She believed her dream of pursuing higher education in Sierra Leone would never become a reality. Hawanatu’s grandmother took her in, which enabled her to return to school. But financial hardship forced Hawanatu to fend for herself. She became pregnant and had to leave school again. After her son was born, she had to balance the demands of motherhood while struggling to build her life. Then, when he was almost six, her son passed away.

Overwhelmed by grief, Hawanatu no longer wanted to live. Things began to change when she met Deborah Koroma, a volunteer leader with YoungLives who loved her unconditionally and encouraged her to keep going. Hawanatu found a safe community where she was valued, encouraged, and received the hope to believe that her circumstances do not define her future. As her faith deepened, so did her confidence and sense of God-given purpose.

Hawanatu returned to school, passed her national exams, and achieved what she once thought was impossible. Today, she is a part of the Developing Global Leaders program, pursuing a degree in nursing — a dream she never thought she would realize. College has given her a future filled with purpose and hope.

Now a respected leader in her community, Hawanatu mentors young people facing challenges similar to those she once endured. Through her story of loss and grief, she reminds others that no life is beyond God’s redemption. Reflecting on her journey, Hawanatu shares:

“I never imagined that I would one day attend college and study nursing. YoungLives believed in me when I had lost hope. They gave me love, guidance, opportunities, and the confidence to believe that my future could be different. Today, I am living a dream I once thought was impossible, and I thank God for using YoungLives to change my life.”