Community Action to Restore Lives (CARL) is a Sierra Leonean non-governmental organization founded in 2011 by a passionate female activist committed to transforming the lives of women, girls, and vulnerable communities. Since its establishment, CARL has worked tirelessly to promote gender equality, social justice, education, health, and sustainable community development through advocacy, awareness raising, capacity building, and direct community support.
For more than 15 years, CARL has remained at the forefront of community-driven development, reaching over 20,000 women and girls across Moyamba, Port Loko, Pujehun, Western Urban, and Western Rural Districts. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, the organization has empowered women and girls to become confident leaders, active citizens, and agents of positive change within their communities.
Our work is built on strong collaboration with local and international partners, traditional leaders, Mammy Queens, youth leaders, women’s groups, School Management Committees (SMCs), Community Teachers Associations (CTAs), civil society organizations, government ministries, and local authorities. This inclusive approach ensures that development interventions are community-led, sustainable, and responsive to local needs.
Over the years, CARL has successfully partnered with UNICEF, CARE Sierra Leone, Trócaire, Oxfam, AXIS, Purposeful, IRC, UNDP, Plan International, and the Government of Sierra Leone to implement impactful programs that improve the lives of women, girls, and young people throughout Sierra Leone.

THEMATIC FOCUS

1. Fosters Access to education for sustainable development
2. Promote Gender Equality and increase women’s participation in Governance and leadership roles livelihoods
3. Expand Livelihoods opportunities in rural communities

CORE VALUE

1. Inclusiveness
2. Responsiveness
3. Creativity
4. Critical Analysis
5. Confidentiality
6. Accountability
7. Nimbleness

IMPLEMENTATION PRINCIPLES

Equity and empowerment: We recognize and acknowledge the untapped potential of women and girls and ensure they receive fair treatment.
Beneficiary led Approach: As the saying goes, “Anything for us without us is not for us” Our project participants are fully involved at all levels of CARL ‘s planning and implementation.
Respect and Confidentiality: CARL values and respect all individuals irrespective of sex, age, social and financial status, sexual orientation, medical status, ethnicity, political affiliation, religion, physical and mental ability etc. fully maintain confidentiality.
Human Rights: CARL’s rule of engagement and delivery at all levels is based on sound and active human rights values and principles. This Will be mainstreamed and integrated across programmed.

CARLS OPERATIONAL AREAS IN SIERRA LEONE:

WESTERN RURAL AREA WESTERN URBAN AREA
MOYAMBA
PORTLOKO

Our work in action

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

Promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls remains at the heart of CARL’s work. Through leadership development, advocacy, life-skills training, financial inclusion, agriculture, entrepreneurship support, and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), CARL has empowered thousands of women and girls to improve their economic well-being and social status.
Women supported through CARL’s interventions have established petty businesses, engaged in vegetable farming, increased their financial independence, and developed the confidence to participate in public decision-making processes. Through continuous awareness raising and capacity building, women and girls have gained a stronger understanding of their rights and have become more active in challenging gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality.
In Port Loko and other operational districts, women have improved literacy and numeracy skills, enabling many to read, write, sign their names, and engage more effectively in community leadership and governance processes. Women are increasingly participating in local decision-making structures and advocating for their rights and inclusion in leadership positions.

Education and Human Capital Development

CARL recognizes education as a powerful tool for social transformation and economic empowerment. Working alongside government institutions and development partners, the organization has contributed significantly to improving educational outcomes for children and young people, particularly girls.
Through partnerships with Oxfam, Purposeful, IRC, and other stakeholders, CARL has supported more than 12,000 adolescent girls and boys across multiple districts. In 2020 alone, CARL contributed to the enrolment of over 3,000 girls and 2,000 boys into formal education systems through community engagement and support for Sierra Leone’s Free Quality Education initiative.
The organization has implemented safe-space programs and life-skills training that have strengthened confidence, leadership, communication skills, and awareness among young people. These interventions have contributed to increased school enrolment, improved retention rates, reduced teenage pregnancies, and decreased early marriages in targeted communities.
CARL has also played an active role in education policy advocacy and reform efforts, promoting equitable access to quality education and engaging policymakers, communities, and education stakeholders to strengthen accountability within the education sector.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

CARL is committed to improving access to accurate information and education on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), particularly for adolescents and young people.
With support from AXIS, CARL successfully enhanced the capacity of teachers to deliver Dialogue-Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) across schools in Sierra Leone. The initiative strengthened the knowledge and skills of teachers in developing lesson plans and delivering age-appropriate sexuality education.
As part of this effort, 18 teachers from nine schools across eight districts were trained and equipped to implement Comprehensive Sexuality Education methodologies. Through the testing and implementation of CSE tools, more than 2,000 young people gained access to critical information on health, relationships, life choices, and personal development, contributing to informed decision-making and improved well-being.

Our Impact

Over the years, CARL has recorded significant achievements that continue to improve the lives of women, girls, and young people across Sierra Leone:
Over 20,000 women and girls empowered
More than 12,000 adolescents supported through education and life-skills programs
Over 5 operational districts reached
More than 3,000 girls enrolled in school through education interventions
Improved literacy, leadership, and economic opportunities for women
Enhanced community awareness on gender equality and women’s rights
Increased participation of women in governance and decision-making processes
Strengthened access to comprehensive sexuality education for young people
10+Development and Institutional Partnerships
11+Years of Community-Based Development Experience
300+Community Engagements, Trainings, Dialogues and Advocacy Activities Conducted