Mamoud Javombo, Team Mentor, says their outstanding performance is a testimony to the fact that young Sierra Leoneans are talented and full of creativity, and only require the necessary opportunities to realise their full potentials.

‘We only need the positive push and necessary resources to realize our full potentials’,  he said. 

He described the competition as an “eye-opener” for the youths, especially the idea of developing more passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and how they could contribute to  sustainable development.

“We are super excited with the result and the Team’s performance, seeing us competing with and defeating developed nations like the USA and UK, among others, was mind-blowing. We are delighted to have represented our country well’, he said, with joy all over his face.

Fatmata Bintu Barrie, Team Spokesperson, said, they are excited that they have fulfilled their promise of bringing home laurels from the competition. 

‘Defeating 63 countries in such an international competition is an indication of how much focused and hardworking we have been as a team’, she said. 

‘The result means a lot to us. Despite all the challenges, we were able to triumph’, she reiterated, with a broad smile, adding that their outstanding performance is the beginning of a new journey for young Innovators from Sierra Leone, including their colleagues in the regions.

She registered their sincere thanks and appreciation to Innovate Salone for according them what she described as a opportunity to participate at such a global stage.

On behalf the team,  Bintu expressed gratefulness to their Team Mentor, Mamoud Javombo for his patience, discipline and commitment tovthe whole process, and the Sierra Leone Community among the spectators who visited and cheered them up during the competition.

She was also thankful to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the confidence reposed in them. She singled out the support of the Minister of Youth Affairs, Bai Mamoud Bangura for his and commitment to Innovation, and the Press, for their coverage and reporting of the event and their participation.

The team comprises Daniel Meleric Williams of the Sierra Leone Grammar School, Brian Sankoh of the St Edwards Secondary School, Samuel Elba of the Prnice of Wales Secondary School, Fatmata Bintu Barrie of the Annie Walsh Memorial School, all based in Freetown, and Mamoud Javombo, their Team Mentor.

The organisers have announced Mexico as the host of next year’s competition.