Community Animation for Peoples Empowerment Network, Sierra Leone (CAPEN-SL)

Community Animation for Peoples Empowerment Network, Sierra Leone (CAPEN-SL) is a local NGO situated in Kenema District, in the Eastern part of Sierra Leone. CAPEN-SL was formed in 2012 to address the cycle of poverty and violence that shapes the lives of adolescent girls. CAPEN works to tackle the vulnerabilities of adolescent mothers by equipping them with the right skills. Their programs are organized around building the capacity of adolescent girls through skills training and microfinance for girls who want to start their own business. Over the years, CAPEN has trained over 70 adolescent girls – in tailoring, gara dying and soap making. Most of the graduates were provided a loan to finance their trade. CAPEN-SL’s main goal is that empowering girls will lead to a reduction in teenage pregnancy within the community. They alsowork towards shifting social norms and cultural practices athat perpetuate gender inequality and child marriage; and leading to transformation of the lives of women and girls.