Spearheaded by the Alumnus of Sierra Leone Grammar School, Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School and other tech-focused partners, hosted the 3rd Annual Tech Boot Camp, a vibrant Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program uniting tech enthusiasts, students, panelists, and moderators.
Under the theme ‘Advancing Innovation,’ the event brought together pupils from 46 schools, notably Annie Walsh Memorial School and Sierra Leone Grammar School and 44 others. The event was held at Murray Town at the Sierra Leone Grammar School hall.
The STEM classes included Mathematics to enhance analytical skills, chess games to foster strategic thinking, and entrepreneurship to inspire world-changing ideas.
These sessions aimed to sharpen and broaden the creative and innovative abilities of learners. A new highlight this year was an exciting focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), covering applications in video production, robotics, photography, and design.
Rev. Canon Leonard Ken Davies, principal of Sierra Leone Grammar School, expressed delight at seeing young minds embrace innovation.
“The continued success of the STEM Holiday Club proves that Sierra Leonean students are hungry for innovation. We are proud to nurture that potential,” he said, challenging learners to use their skills to tackle global problems.
The keynkte speaker, Madam Muniratu Issifu, Country Director of Plan International, emphasized the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving tech world.
“I challenge young people to become developers and creators, not just consumers,” she urged. “Use your skills to solve societal problems.” Her call to action inspired students to apply their knowledge in their communities.
Donald Davies-Cole, a Sierra Leone Grammar School alumnus, highlighted STEM’s contributions to advancements in medicine and technology.
He encouraged students to use social media for educational purposes rather than leisure. “With hard work, dedication, and commitment, you will succeed. Rome was not built in a day,” Cole concluded.
In an interview with The African Dream, Nick Asgill, the Multimedia Director of STEM Club 2025, shared his vision.
“Technology is not the future—it’s the present. The only way our continent can eradicate poverty is through STEM skills,” he said.
Committed to empowering Africa’s youth, Asgill ensured all modules aligned with current trends to give students a competitive edge in the digital age.
“We target 300–500 students, with this year’s youngest learner aged 10 and the oldest 19,” he noted.
Participant Susan Nelson Dougan shared her enthusiasm: “The program was incredibly beneficial. I plan to use my entrepreneurship skills to build a brand and address unemployment challenges.” Her words reflected the boot camp’s transformative impact.
A highlight of the event was a chess competition organized by the Sierra Leone Chess Federation, with the winner receiving a trophy.
Team Easy Made won the entrepreneurship challenge for their innovative project. Certificates were awarded to all participants, followed by sumptuous meals in a celebratory atmosphere.
The introduction of AI-focused modules in video, robotics, photography, and design marked a bold step, equipping students with cutting-edge skills.
As the organisers plan a grander STEM Holiday Club 2026, this year’s event stands as a testament to the power of youth and technology.
With passionate organizers like Donald Smith, Nick Asgill, the organisers and eager learners ready to innovate, Sierra Leone is building a generation of problem-solvers poised to transform their communities and the world.
