By Ishmael Bayoh, Information Attaché – Sierra Leone Embassy, Dakar, Senegal
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday, September 21, 2024 held a farewell ceremony for the national team that will represent Sierra Leone at the 2024 FIRST Global Challenge in Athens, Greece. The event, scheduled to run from September 26-29, will bring together youth from over 190 countries to compete in robotics, with the theme “Feeding the Future,” focusing on addressing global food security and sustainable agriculture through technological innovation.
This year’s theme aligns with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship “Feed Salone” initiative, further reinforcing the nation’s commitment to agricultural development and sustainability.
The seven-member Sierra Leone Robotics Team, comprising five students and two mentors, had traveled to Dakar for their visa process, which was facilitated by the Sierra Leone Embassy. The National Commission for Children (NCC) has been a staunch supporter of the team, promoting youth involvement in STEM education and innovation. The NCC’s continuous backing has enabled the team to participate in this prestigious global event for six consecutive years.
In 2019, the NCC showcased the innovative skills of these students at a children’s summit in Freetown and established 25 STEM clubs in schools across Freetown Bo, and Makeni, in collaboration with Projects 1835. This initiative aims to equip the next generation with essential skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to foster innovation and future opportunities.
Speaking at the farewell event, Susan Kargbo, the team leader from the NCC, expressed her gratitude to the Sierra Leone Embassy for their support in facilitating the visa process and extending hospitality to the team. She also acknowledged President Bio’s consistent backing of the robotics team, which has allowed them to prepare and receive their equipment ahead of the competition.
At the Embassy’s Conference Hall, Augusta Akibo-Jones, Minister Counsellor and Head of Chancery, expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, remarking on their impressive demonstrations. She noted that this year’s theme resonates strongly with President Bio’s “Feed Salone” agenda and encouraged the team to explore innovative solutions to global food security challenges.
Aminata Kargbo, the Second Secretary at the Embassy, also extended her best wishes, urging the team to showcase their skills and make the nation proud in Athens.
Teams from across the globe are tasked with building and programming robots to solve real-world problems, fostering collaboration and understanding among young innovators. The competition provides a unique platform for youth to work together in addressing critical global issues, including sustainable food production, one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.
