In the prefecture of Forécariah, many girls and women grow up in an environment where access to education and vocational training remains limited. Distance, lack of resources, but also linguistic and cultural barriers hinder their ability to learn, train and grab opportunities that could transform their future.
In response to these challenges, Rio Tinto, in partnership with the NGO Club des Amis du Monde (CAM), local authorities and the Ministry of Pre-University Education and Literacy (MEPUA), launched the ‘Second Chance Education and Vocational Training Programme for Women in Guinea’.
Intended for 800 women and girls, this 24-month initiative aimed to strengthen skills, encourage independence and pave the way to a more safe, creative and promising future. A path that not only allows them to acquire knowledge, but also to regain the confidence to dream and build their own future.
Education for transformation: an initiative that changes lives
Through an integrated approach combining functional literacy, vocational training and economic structuring, the programme provided participants much more than just a learning experience: it opened the door to real self-reliance.
These women acquired essential knowledge, developed practical skills and, above all, gained the ability to create income-generating activities responding to the needs of their community.
These women have learned to read, write and count with confidence. The sessions were based on textbooks designed for progressive learning, while integrating local skills related to traditional trades. This method has helped to embed learning in the reality of the field, while opening up new professional opportunities: sewing, agriculture, baking, fishing, soap making, etc.
In two years, the programme has made remarkable progress:
- 789 women have completed the training across 32 operational literacy centres, proof of an exceptional commitment resulting in a 92% completion rate.
- 32 Economic Interest Groups, which are genuine spaces for empowerment and cooperation, have been created.
These results illustrate the strength of a model that does more than just provide training: it transforms women’s lives in a sustainable way and empowers them to take control of their own futures.
Behind these figures, there are 789 stories of perseverance, progress and restored confidence.
Beyond the numbers, the programme is deeply transforming the daily lives of women and their families. It has strengthened their motivation, confidence and ability to learn and excel in modern skills.
“Thanks to this programme, I have learned to write and count. Today, I am able to track everything I start and everything I finish. I calculate my expenses from sowing, through harvesting, to the moment I sell and make my profit. Now I know how to do it. Before, I didn’t know. I worked at random.”
Madeleine Kolie
recipient
“This is not the end of the project, it is the starting point of a journey for these women.”
Boubacar Sylla
President of the NGO Club des Amis du Monde
“By providing access to education and training, we have paved the way for empowerment, entrepreneurship and human dignity. You are the living proof that determination and courage can change destinies.”
Mariama Diallo
Manager Projects and Programme execution of Regional Economic Development & Country Strategy (RED), Rio Tinto
Celebrating the participants’ success
The programme’s completion was celebrated in January at the Forécariah Youth Centre during a ceremony marked by pride, emotion and collective recognition.
This powerful moment paid tribute to these women’s perseverance and courage, while inspiring new energy into the entire community. Their success has become a source of inspiration for those who aspire to follow the same path.
Beyond the certificates awarded, it was their journey, their determination and their transformation that were celebrated. Because when you invest in women, you empower an entire community, which has the potential to rise up.