By SKT
The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, has rallied Sierra Leone’s pupils to embrace STEM education, emphasizing that the country’s future depends on the innovation and skills of its youth. In a powerful initiative to inspire the next generation of Sierra Leonean innovators, the Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, along with the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Konrad Sackey and the CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, engaged pupils at Annie Walsh Memorial School on careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The Minister was speaking to the pupils at the school’s chapel on Kissy Road in Freetown on Friday, July 3, 2026. The event marked a significant step toward fostering a culture of STEM excellence in Sierra Leone.
This school visit is just one among many initiatives led by Minister of Communication Salima Bah to promote careers in STEM among Sierra Leonean pupils. Through her dedicated efforts, she has travelled across the country to inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, emphasizing the vital role these fields play in the nation’s development.
Minister Bah’s ongoing campaigns aim to ignite a passion for STEM education, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to shape Sierra Leone’s future in an increasingly technological world.
The importance of STEM education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be overstated. Globally, advancements in science and technology are key drivers for economic growth, health improvements, and sustainable development. For Sierra Leone, a country that was initially left behind in the technological race, embracing STEM is now a strategic priority.
The government has recognized that investing in science and innovation is crucial for leapfrogging traditional development stages and catching up with more developed nations.
Initiatives like this school tour demonstrate Sierra Leone’s commitment to integrating STEM into the national development agenda, empowering young people to become leaders in innovation and problem-solving. The pupils at Annie Walsh Memorial School participated in a lively panel discussion moderated by their peers.
During the event, the Minister Bah emphasized the importance of choosing a STEM career and expressed her unwavering belief that Sierra Leone possesses the potential to surpass other nations through technological advancement. She shared her personal journey, highlighting how perseverance and determination helped her overcome challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Minister Bah urged students to pursue their aspirations with resilience and confidence, reminding them that “the human mind is the never-ending asset we have.” She also announced the launch of the Tech School Klub and donated 25 STEM kits along with laptops to support the students’ learning. Minister Bah’s speech was complemented by the remarks of Minister Sackey, who underscored the government’s commitment to free quality education for all Sierra Leoneans. He assured the pupils that no child would be left behind and encouraged them to embrace STEM, dismissing fears of difficulty with a simple message: “Do your homework and let your results speak for themselves.” Cyber security expert Gemma Dyme Bailey provided vital insights on online safety, emphasizing the importance of managing digital footprints and safeguarding personal information. Her advice encouraged students to be cautious and responsible digital citizens.
The event also featured the inspiring story of the CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, Aicha Toure who reflected on her journey as a woman in the tech industry. Her message was clear: dream big and create opportunities for future generations. She urged the pupils to be bold and ambitious, emphasizing that leadership and innovation are within their reach regardless of gender or background.
Principal Stylina Williams welcomed the guests warmly, expressing gratitude for the donated STEM kits and laptops, which she assured would be used to promote innovation and practical learning. Richmond Coker, Head of Science at Annie Walsh, highlighted the school’s holistic approach to STEM education, emphasizing that their students are not only studying textbooks but are also encouraged to innovate, create, and solve real-world problems. He proudly noted that Annie Walsh students have competed internationally, demonstrating the school’s commitment to living the spirit of STEM.
Sierra Leone’s journey toward embracing STEM education reflects a broader recognition of its vital role in national development. Once lagging behind in technological advancements, the country is now actively working to harness its human capital. With initiatives like this school tour and increased investment in digital literacy and innovation, Sierra Leone aims to position itself as a competitive player in the global knowledge economy. The future of Sierra Leone hinges on empowering its youth with the skills and confidence to drive progress through science and technology.
