By Ibrahim John Sesay
The Girls’ in STEM Initiative Sierra Leone has successfully hosted its first-ever Impact Dinner and Fundraising Event, marking a major milestone in its mission to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among girls in the Western Area Rural District.
Held on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at Kay’s Complex in Newton (Fourmile), the event was themed: “Vision to Impact: Advancing STEM for Community Development.” It brought together development partners, educators, community leaders, students, civil society actors and advocates for gender equality in education to celebrate progress, strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources for the Initiative’s expanding programs.
The Impact Dinner served as both a celebration of achievements and a strategic platform to rally financial and material support for ongoing and future STEM-focused interventions targeting girls from underserved rural communities.
Addressing the gathering, Executive Director, Christina M. Bangura, described the occasion as “a celebration of partnership, progress and purpose,” emphasizing the critical role of girls’ participation in STEM for national development.
“When girls are given the opportunity, mentorship and tools to succeed in STEM, they do not only transform their own lives but also contribute meaningfully to the growth of the nation,” she said.
Christina M. Bangura disclosed that since its inception in 2021, the organization has empowered over 7,000 young people through diverse skills-development programs. These include engineering, ICT and digital literacy, catering, gari processing, cake making, tailoring, hairdressing, decoration and other vocational and technical skills aimed at enhancing self-reliance and employability.
She reaffirmed the Initiative’s vision of creating inclusive pathways that allow girls, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities, to access quality STEM education, mentorship and innovation opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, Evangelist Musa Khalil Koroma, Executive Director of the Global Youth Network for Empowerment and Development (GYNED), commended the Girls’ in STEM Initiative for its impactful work in empowering young people. He pledged GYNED’s continued support and called on other stakeholders to collaborate in expanding the Initiative’s reach across the district.
Former Member of Parliament and former Chief Whip, Hon. Dr. Claude D. M. Kamanda, GOOR, highlighted the origins and sustained impact of the Initiative, describing it as a reliable partner in community development.
“Today, we are here to celebrate the impact of the Girls’ in STEM Initiative Sierra Leone. This organization has transformed many lives in this district, and I have attended most of its programs,” he noted, while reaffirming his commitment to continued support.
The keynote address was delivered by Madam Valnora Edwin, Chairperson of the African Leaders Network and Vice President of the 50/50 Group. She praised the visionary leadership of Christina M. Bangura and provided a comprehensive overview of STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, underscoring its relevance to community and national development.
Madam Valnora Edwin also addressed Gender-Based Violence (GBV), encouraging young women to speak out against abuse, while urging students and young entrepreneurs to harness their skills and venture into entrepreneurship. She emphasized that technology and innovation provide women with the tools to excel professionally and achieve independence.
Leadership expert Prof. Paul Alieu Kamara delivered an inspiring address centered on leadership values and integrity. Framing his remarks around traditional, philosophical and psychological dimensions of leadership, he challenged participants to critically assess motivations for leadership and to uphold honesty and self-awareness.
“The biggest problem in leadership is the dishonesty of people in leadership positions,” Prof. Paul Alieu Kamara observed, stressing that politics and leadership must be rooted in service to the people. He concluded by highlighting the importance of adaptability and announced expectations for a future leadership hub in Sierra Leone to train young leaders.
The fundraising segment of the event aimed to generate resources to expand STEM clubs, provide learning materials, sponsor scholarships and support innovation laboratories for girls across multiple districts. Awards were also presented to development partners, individuals and students who have made outstanding contributions to the Initiative’s mission.
With the success of its inaugural Impact Dinner, the Girls’ in STEM Initiative Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender-responsive education and shaping a more inclusive future for girls in science and technology across the country.
