Marian Bangura

Marian Bangura (16), is from Sierra Leone. Growing up in Sierra Leone, Marian witnessed her father struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse, which sometimes led to violence against her mother. Those painful experiences shaped her deep empathy and drive to protect other children.

When Marian noticed a junior student with dwarfism being bullied every day, she stepped in — befriending the student, confronting the bullies, and organizing peer support around them. That moment led her to launch a school-wide campaign against bullying and for inclusion.

Since 2018, Marian has been part of Future Leaders Initiative SL, taking part in campaigns like Pens Up Canes Down, No Hit Zone, and World Children’s Day. As secretary of the Children-2-Children Community Support Group, she trained her peers in digital skills, building their confidence. She also launched C2C TV, a free digital platform where children can express themselves and talk openly about issues affecting their lives.

Marian even lends her voice as a lead vocalist for the My Body Is My Body Foundation, singing about children’s rights and challenges.

With her mother, brothers, uncle, and mentors behind her, Marian is showing what it means to lead with courage and compassion.