The document describes a pen pal exchange program between students in Providence, Rhode Island and students in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone has a population of 7.89 million with 60% living in rural areas and relying on agriculture as the biggest economic sector. The average life expectancy is 57 and 70.2% of Sierra Leoneans live below the poverty line as the country is still recovering from a civil war from 1991 to 2002. Through the pen pal program, Providence students will be paired with Sierra Leonean students to foster cultural exchange, empathy, and meaningful friendships while raising awareness of global issues and improving letter writing skills.

2. • Population: 7.89 million
• 60% live in rural areas (agriculture is
the biggest sector)
• Average life expectancy: 57
• 70.2% below poverty line
• Still recovering from a devastating
civil war that occurred between 1991
and 2002

3. • 41.9% are under the age of 14
• Avg. class size: 50 to 70 students
• Only 40% of 15-24 year olds are
literate, but this number is improving
over time
• One of the biggest problems is a lack
of basic resources such as paper and
pencils

4. • Pen pal exchange
• Providence students (grades 2+) are partnered
with students in Sierra Leone
• Teachers will act as important guides for their
classrooms
Providence
Students
Sierra
Leone
Students
Khadarlis

5. The teacher/mentor will:
• Sign up for our project
• Decide on goals for
project: “What do I want
students to take out of
this?”
• Ensure students are
writing quality letters

6. Khadarlis will:
• Help create plan for age
group and subject
• Provide
information/instruction
al materials (and
present to class if
desired)
• Pair students and send
letters
• Assist with any projects

7. • Service-learning projects (such as
fundraisers to meet Sierra Leone
classroom needs)
• Student presentations about
relevant topic/what they’ve learned
• Classroom supply drive for Sierra
Leone

8. Cultural exchange
Empathy and
understanding
Meaningful
friendships
Awareness of
global problems
Letter-writing skills
Activism

9. If you would like to get your classroom on board with our project,
have questions, or would like to learn more please email
c2c@khadarlis.org
NOTE: Any high school students are welcome to sign up for a
pen pal independently of our program.