Ranya Kargbo is the founder and Executive Director of the Heal Hurt Foundation. Through initiatives like Project Starlight, which amplifies survivor voices, and the Stop-di-Blai Campaign, offering alternative livelihoods for Soweis (traditional cutters), she promotes cultural preservation without perpetuating harm.
Ranya's upcoming documentary, Silent Voices, Broken Chains, highlights the resilience of survivors and advocates for the eradication of FGM while fostering open dialogue on preserving cultural heritage. With over 20 years of global HR leadership experience at organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, Ranya has led DEI initiatives, workforce transformations, and leadership development across 60+ countries. Her strategic work during global crises reflects her passion for building inclusive, sustainable cultures.
A Forbes Africa Leading Women Speaker, Ranya uses advocacy, storytelling, and strategic solutions to inspire lasting impact. Learn more about her mission and the Heal Hurt Foundation’s recent work at healhurtfoundation.org.
At HealHurt Foundation, our vision is a world where every child and adult is free from harmful practices, early marriage, rape, and the devastating impacts of addiction. We believe that investing in women, children, and vulnerable communities is the cornerstone of building a brighter, more equitable future. Through education, rehabilitation, and empowerment, we aim to break cycles of poverty and trauma, fostering hope and opportunity.
We adopt a holistic approach to addressing societal challenges, working closely with local communities in Sarasota, Florida, and across West African countries like Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Senegal. Our comprehensive initiatives focus on sustainable, impactful change, ensuring that every person we reach receives the tools and support they need to thrive.
“#HealHurt” is our transformative program that integrates rehabilitation, mental health services, and community mobilization. This initiative addresses the root causes of addiction and harmful practices, supporting recovery while promoting resilience and reintegration. By tackling the interconnected challenges faced by at-risk individuals, HealHurt fosters healing, empowerment, and long-term change.
Education
We believe education is the foundation for lasting change. Our educational programs include scholarships that provide financial support to keep girls in school and prevent early dropout. We also distribute essential educational supplies, such as books, uniforms, tablet/computer and learning tools. Through community education workshops, we raise awareness about the importance of education and the dangers of harmful practices.
Establish a Fully Equipped Rehabilitation Center:
Our goal is to build and operate a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center, with a special focus on serving women and youth.
This center will treat up to 1,000 individuals annually, offering:
Develop a Psychological Support Network Platform:
We recognize that mental health is critical to sustainable recovery.
Our digital platform will offer:
Launch a Rapid SMS Hotline:
Accessible and anonymous, our hotline will serve as a lifeline for those in crisis.
Features include:
Mobilize National Awareness and Advocacy:
Breaking the cycle of addiction and harmful practices requires societal change.
Our advocacy efforts will:
Operational Excellence and Community Reintegration:
Empowerment goes beyond recovery. We equip individuals with the tools they need to build sustainable futures through:
The challenges faced by vulnerable communities—whether the grip of the Kush epidemic or the trauma of harmful practices—demand more than temporary solutions. HealHurt Foundation addresses these issues at their core, combining immediate intervention with long-term empowerment. Our commitment is to restore dignity, build resilience, and create pathways to opportunity.
Your support fuels our mission. By partnering with HealHurt Foundation, you become part of a movement that transforms lives and rebuilds communities. Together, we can heal the hurt and create a future where every child and adult has the chance to thrive. Together, we heal. Together, we empower.
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