By Mustapha Sesay
After the ground breaking creative work of Kelvin Doe, who succeeded in creating his own radio station, the country has recorded more creative youngsters, Mahmoud Javombo, the Program Director of Innovate Salone, has said.
He said there were now over 30 creative youths in and out of the country who have changed the face of how the world viewed Sierra Leone. He cited Mohamed Harding and Brima Bangura, who he said had both invented wind mill and bicycle generator. He said the duo were now representing the country at the Leadership Academy in South Africa.
Javombo explained that in 2012, Global Minimum, an International Organization run by a Sierra Leonean in the US, David Sengeh, started an innovation competition in the country to search for passionate young individuals who were determined to solve problems that challenged people at community level through entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. He recalled that in that same year, they came in contact with Kelvin Doe who eventually became the winner of the competition. Based on the successes recorded then, he said, they have also replicated the organization in two other countries: Kenya and South Africa.
Javombo noted that through the hard work and resilience of those youth they have worked with, the organization has gained recognition from reputable international learning institutions.
“We have been honored by credible and reputable organizations/institutions both home and abroad; US Embassy in Freetown, Rockefeller Foundation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lemelson Foundation and Harvard University, among many in the US.” Javombo noted.
He said after four years of achievements they were willing to give opportunities to young people who deserved and can be source of motivation to others in their various communities through a fellowship program. He said the selection process for the fellowship looked at the innovative work of young people capable to solve problems at community level, and that it was not only limited to new ideas but also modifying old methods of solving problem.
“It is with great delight that I, as head of Global Minimum’s operations in Sierra Leone, announce our six months fellowship for our alums who will be proud recipients of this opportunity,” he declared, adding; “at Global Minimum-Innovate Salone we strongly believe that if young people are future leaders…we should start providing them with the skills and leadership opportunities to lead. Our fellowship reinforces the fact that we believe in the generation of young passionate Sierra Leoneans who are desperate to be part of problem solvers.”
Alex Nallo Jr, Country Director, African Entrepreneurship Academy, said the fellowship requires and expects the efforts, time, passion and relentless commitment of the fellows of Innovate Salone and that the program was not about status, but a task of positive battle that would bring innovative change for national development.
“You must not at any point allow yourself to become overwhelmed, overworked and fed up. There are many challenges and struggles you will face in this journey, but never let this take the challengers out of you as it builds character which will be your defining moment, so prepare for it before you face it,” Mr Nallo Jr advised the youngsters.
Jasonka Coker, one of the fellowship beneficiaries, said Innovate Salone had given her the experience and opportunity that would change her life. And she urged her fellow Sierra Leoneans not to always wait for the British and Americans to solve their domestic problems.
“We should think of ideas to solve our local problems.”
Coker then pointed out that the idea of innovation had always been associated with boys and that girls had been kept aside. And she said it was now time for them to take the lead.
“It is high time for girls to take the lead. It is a call to all girls to come up with cool ideas to solve some of Sierra Leonean problems. Development should start with us; let not expect foreigners to solve all our problems,” she said.
Famata Bintu Barrie, an SSS 3 pupil of the Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School, who is also a female member of Innovate Salone, said she was working on two projects involving DNA molecules and Biogas with her colleagues. She explained that in line with the DNA molecule they were developing a system that would detect sickness using local materials, and that for the Biogas they were seeking to transform waste into energy source for heat and electricity.
(C) Politico 25/02/16
