SARAH GRILE

Mariatu Bangura, 18, found out she was pregnant during a very difficult time in Sierra Leone. The country was in the middle of an Ebola epidemic and schools were closed down. When schools were reopened, pregnant girls were not able to return to school. While at the stream one morning, Mariatu found out that the educational program for pregnant girls was being offered at a school near her home. 

Students attend Kubra Agricultural Secondary School in Rokupr, Sierra Leone

Mabinty Kubra Turay, left, Manager of Kubra Agricultural Secondary School, talks with Mariatu Bangura, 18, of Rokupr, before class begins. Mabinty helped Mariatu return to regular school after she attended the remedial school following the birth of her son.  

Students attend Kubra Agricultural Secondary School in Rokupr, Sierra Leone

Mariatu Bangura, 18, of Rokupr, top right, attends Kubra Agricultural Secondary School.

Mariatu Bangura, 18, of Rokupr, attends Kubra Agricultural Secondary School. Her hope is to become a nurse after finishing school.

Mariatu Bangura, 18, of Rokupr, waters her garden near her house. She recently started the garden so that she can make more money to provide for her son and herself. 

Mariatu Bangura, 18, of Rokupr, studies at her home in the evening. 

Mariatu Bangura, 18, of Rokupr, sells slippers to help provide for her son and herself. 

Mariatu Bangura, 18, of Rokupr, sells slippers to help provide for her son and herself. 

Mariatu Bangura, 18, of Rokupr, left, kisses her son, Abduli, before going to school. Abduli stays with Mariatu's grandmother, Yamaya Kamara, back right, while she attends school. Also pictured on back left is Mariatu's cousin, Ya Alimamy Kamara.