Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation Launches Business Kiosk for Widows at Falcon Street

A new chapter has begun for a group of widows in Freetown, thanks to a powerful act of community-driven compassion.

Turning Fundraising into Real Impact

On Falcon Street, a fully stocked business kiosk now stands as a beacon of opportunity—launched by the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation to empower widows with a sustainable source of income. The project is a direct result of the foundation’s November 2024 fundraising luncheon, which rallied support from individuals and organizations across Sierra Leone.

From Struggle to Self-Reliance

During a handover ceremony attended by community members and stakeholders, Programs Coordinator Hawa Bintu Dauda officially presented the kiosk to the widow beneficiaries.

“This project is not just about business. It’s about dignity and self-reliance,” said Dauda. “Many of these women have struggled without capital or opportunity. Today, we are giving them a foundation to build a better life.”

The kiosk is stocked with food items, beverages, toiletries, and other daily essentials. It will be operated as a cooperative, allowing the women to share profits and reinvest in the business supporting both sustainability and family needs.

A Long-Awaited Opportunity

For the women involved, this project is more than just a structure—it’s a long-awaited opportunity. Chairlady Posseh Kanu spoke on behalf of the group:

“We have begged and waited for years for a chance like this,” she said. “The foundation came, listened to our stories, and today they have given us more than help—they’ve given us hope.”

Training for Long-Term Success

According to Solomon Temgbeh, the Community Development Officer, the kiosk is part of a larger economic empowerment strategy.

“We are not only giving widows food to sell,” he said. “We are training them in business management, record-keeping, and teamwork. We want to see them succeed and grow.”

A Model for the Future

The kiosk joins a growing list of the foundation’s income-generating projects for widows across Sierra Leone, including vocational skills training, savings and loan groups, and the distribution of start up goods like second-hand clothing and soap-making materials.

“This kiosk is just the beginning,” added Dauda. “We plan to set up more kiosks in different communities. With continued support, we can scale this model and empower even more women.”

A New Chapter Begins

The Falcon Street kiosk is more than a business—it’s a symbol of hope, collaboration, and the power of listening. For the widows now managing it, it marks the start of a journey toward financial independence and renewed confidence.