Sherilyn A. N. Kamara, an outstanding young Sierra Leonean, has become the country’s first participant at the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), marking a major step in an academic journey that began with the UBA National Essay Competition.
Sherilyn A. N. Kamara represented Sierra Leone at the 2026 forum, held at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom, alongside 419 young scientists from different parts of the world.
Her participation followed her emergence as first runner-up in the fourth UBA National Essay Competition in 2024. The achievement earned her recognition and opened opportunities for international exposure, scientific engagement and leadership development.
The UBA National Essay Competition is one of the UBA Foundation’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives. It is designed to promote critical thinking, academic excellence and leadership among senior secondary school students.
Beyond recognizing outstanding essays, the competition provides young people with educational opportunities, exposure and encouragement to pursue their ambitions.
During the London forum, Sherilyn A. N. Kamara delivered a climate foresight presentation titled, “The Cost of Inaction: Imagine a World Without Climate Solutions by 2056.” Her presentation encouraged participants to reflect on the consequences of failing to address climate change and the need for urgent, sustainable solutions.
Her performance earned her further international recognition when she was selected as the only African representative and one of six speakers on the official LIYSF Closing Debate Panel.
The panel brought together some of the brightest young minds participating in the forum to discuss pressing scientific and global development issues.
Sherilyn A. N. Kamara also used the opportunity to establish international partnerships that secured air-quality monitoring equipment for the Urban Better Freetown Hub. The equipment is expected to support community-led environmental monitoring and contribute to efforts aimed at creating healthier and more sustainable communities in Sierra Leone.
Throughout the programme, she received practical exposure to advanced scientific research through academic visits to the University of Oxford, Cranfield University and several world-class laboratories.
She also developed her knowledge of climate foresight, science communication, policy discussions and international collaboration. Sherilyn A. N. Kamara said she intends to use the experience and knowledge gained to support meaningful change in Sierra Leone.
Reflecting on her participation, she expressed appreciation to United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone for sponsoring her journey to the global forum.
“To United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone, thank you for believing in my potential and sponsoring my journey to LIYSF 2026,” she said.
“As the first runner-up of the fourth UBA National Essay Competition, representing Sierra Leone on this global stage was an honour I carry with immense pride.”
Sherilyn A. N. Kamara said UBA’s support went beyond awarding prizes to students by providing them with platforms, opportunities and a voice to demonstrate their abilities.
“UBA does not merely award prizes to students; you give us a platform, a voice and a seat at the table to thrive,” she stated.
“You are an institution that truly embodies its commitment to empowering the next generation. Wherever my journey leads, I will always be a proud ambassador of UBA’s vision and excellence.”
Sherilyn A. N. Kamara returned to Sierra Leone with new international networks, practical ideas and a renewed commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, climate action and youth empowerment.
Her journey from the UBA National Essay Competition to one of the world’s prominent youth science forums demonstrates the impact educational opportunities can have on talented young people.
It also reflects the UBA Foundation’s continuing commitment to investing in Africa’s next generation of innovators, thinkers and leaders.
Sherilyn A. N.Kamara’s achievement sends a strong message to young Sierra Leoneans that a single opportunity, supported by determination and excellence, can open doors to the global stage.
