In his statement formally launching the fellowship of Innovate Salone Alums and the 2016 competition, the Programme director of Innovate Salone, Mahmoud Javombo said they are proud to say they have had a lot of Kelvin who are today changing the way the world sees Sierra Leone. He said “Mohamed Harding and Brima Bangura are both representing Sierra Leone at the Africa Leadership Academy in South Africa”. He added that he is proud of the achievements of Youths so far and that they feel encouraged to give youths an opportunity they well deserve.
In his closing, Mahmoud Javombo said that he believes “young people should be provided with the skills and leadership opportunities” if they truly are the future leaders and for this reason he believes in “the generation of young passionate Sierra Leoneans who are desperate to be part of problem solvers of Sierra Leone.”
Among those in attendace of the conference were the 12 young Sierra Leoneans, including travelled from Kailahun, Kenema, Bo, Moyamba, Bonthe, Makeni and Kambia who are the new Fellows of the Innovate Salone Programme 2016.
Alex NalloJr, the country director for African Entrepreneurship Academy, one of the partners of innovate Salone, emphasized the importance of innovative entrepreneurship as an engine of growth in Sierra Leone’s economy and the country as a whole. He said “Entrepreneurs are those who take action or the process of innovating far beyond the fear of risks or failure.” He advised the 12 fellows to let success be the only outcome of their undertakings and that even if they fail, they should find success in learning why they failed.
In her closing statement, Jasonta Coker, one of the fellows of Innovate Salone spoke about how much she has gained by being part of Innovate Salone and urged young people especially girls to take part in such ventures.
Some of the new fellows of Innovate Salone expressed their hopes for the development of Sierra Leone through innovation.
Will the dreams of young innovators in Sierra Leone come true?
