Skool Grind Newsletter: Edition 1

Skool Grind Newsletter

Sierra Leone Shines in Africa Regional Competition, Developing Innovative Solutions to Global Challenges

In a remarkable feat at the Africa Regional Competition organized by World Denver, Sierra Leone proudly secured the third position, surpassing Kenya and Nigeria. This success stands as a testament to the exceptional potential within Sierra Leoneans, particularly the younger generation. The journey unfolded through a strategic partnership between Skool Grind Sierra Leone and World Denver, a nonprofit community organization dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of world affairs and cultures. This collaboration led to the inception of the first-ever African Regional Challenge in September 2023.

Sierra Leone's Participation in the World Affairs Challenge

The World Affairs Challenge (WAC) is an international program and competition encouraging middle and high school students to develop and implement S.M.A.R.T. solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You can read more about it here.

Enthusiastic Response and Team Formation

The call for ARC applications garnered overwhelming enthusiasm, with over 30 applicants vying for a spot in the competition. Eventually, three core teams (A to C) emerged, each addressing critical SDGs. The challenge lay in shortlisting only 12 students to form these teams, a testament to the high caliber of the applicants.

Participating Teams and Their Solutions

Team A - EcoBrick Solution for Plastic Waste

This team, composed of students from Annie Walsh Memorial School, Door International Academy, and the Sierra Leone Grammar School, tackled the issue of plastic waste. Their audacious solution involves utilizing plastic waste to create eco-friendly bricks. For an in-depth look at their innovative solution, you can their video submission.

Team B - Technology to Combat Maternal Mortality

Our honorary team emerged as third place competition winners with their groundbreaking solution to address maternal mortality rates using technology. The team, composed of members from Hill Valley International School, Science World, and Prince of Wales Secondary School, garnered acclaim, overshadowing competitors from Kenya and Nigeria.

Team C - Water and Sanitation through Carbon Filtration

Team C focused on ensuring clean water and sanitation by proposing the use of carbon filters. Their solution aims to purify water for safe distribution in communities. To gain insights into their project, you can their video here.

Skool Grind's Support and World Denver's Coursework

Throughout the competition, the Skool Grind management team provided unwavering support to the participating teams. The teams underwent coursework from the World Denver team, covering aspects such as problem identification, investigation, pitch creation, solution formulation, and final pitch presentations. These presentations were evaluated by a panel of high-level judges from around the world.

Skool Grind's Support and World Denver's Coursework

ARC's Conclusion and What's Next

Although Teams A and C did not proceed to the finals scheduled for May 2024, Team B secured the third position. Team B is now set to participate in the advanced level of the World Affairs Challenge, receiving further training and developmental support. They will continue working on their project for the final challenge presentation on March 29th, 2024. Skool Grind reaffirms its commitment to supporting all ambitious entrepreneurs, ensuring that Teams A and C strengthen their ideas for future endeavours beyond the ARC challenge

Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

As key strategic partners of World Denver’s ARC and WAC program in Sierra Leone, Skool Grind remains dedicated to nurturing social entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. Witnessing the innovative solutions presented by the teams, the future appears promising for Sierra Leone’s contribution to global challenges. To watch the teams’ videos and share your thoughts on the future of social entrepreneurship and innovation in Sierra Leone.

The Mission Continues At Skool Grind with SLEDP Support

In an exciting turn of events, Skool Grind has been chosen for a game-changing opportunity through the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP). This notification signifies Skool Grind’s selection for technical assistance and matching grant support aimed at bolstering emerging incubators, accelerators, and Business Development Service (BDS) providers.

Implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone, with financial backing from the World Bank, SLEDP seeks to catalyze investment, spur SME growth, and ignite entrepreneurship within non-mining productive sectors across the country. Component 2 of the project specifically targets vital constraints faced by businesses at firm and sector levels, including low access to information, poor last-mile infrastructure, limited access to finance, and weak capacity to scale.

We attended the virtual induction meeting which was scheduled onJanuary 17, 2024, where we got to interact with fellow grantees. This meeting was a detailed briefing from the Small Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SLEDP, and Co Creation Hub – the service provider. This marks a pivotal step for Skool Grind, opening avenues for growth, innovation, and a more robust support system for budding entrepreneurs. The entire Skool Grind team is thrilled about this opportunity and looks forward to the journey ahead.

Kolej Expo Planning

Exposure to Opportunities: Fostering Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development

We know you saw this coming but yes, let’s tell you more about it. After the resounding success of the Career Expo in 2022 and 2023, we are gearing up for the Kolej Expo in 2024. This transformative event has left a lasting impact on both students and educators, with over 500 students in 2022 and an impressive 1000 students in 2023 from 30+ schools across Freetown.

This week-long program is designed to reshape mindsets, elevate awareness about the different career pathways available for secondary school students to think about as we work towards strengthening the human capital in Sierra Leone. The theme, “Exposure to Opportunities: Fostering Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development,” encapsulates the Expo’s mission.

Looking beyond the event, Skool Grind envisions an Insights Portal to track and monitor the impact on students’ lives, early career empowerment, career advisory resources, and collaboration with institutions and ecosystem enablers. Institutions and ecosystem enablers will be invited to showcase their offerings, connecting directly with students.

As we work tirelessly to make the 2024 edition a success, we stayed true to our collaborative co-values where we embarked on engagement with several line ministries and funding partners. Stay connected via our socials for more announcements on the #kolejexpo2024 which is scheduled to take place from 26th February through to 1st March 2024.

SGSL's 2024 Retreat: Bonding, Planning, and Setting the Stage for Success in 2024

At the Regent Palace Hotel from January 3rd to 4th, 2024, Skool Grind held its annual 2-day retreat, a crucial part of the organization’s strategy for staff bonding and generating fresh ideas for the year. The retreat was not just about work; it was about fostering teamwork and ensuring a harmonious and productive team.
With objectives focused on team building, an overview of the yearly work plan, and enhancing effective collaboration, the retreat saw enthusiastic participation from eight out of ten members on Day 1 and six members on Day 2.
Sessions ranged from a lively opening session with icebreaking activities to a comprehensive rundown of the 2024 calendar by Regina, Head of Programs and Innovation. A team-building and collaboration workshop, facilitated by Sunah Keili, emphasized effective communication, honest and open dialogue, and a community working environment. We also welcomed three new team members during the retreat; our Program Manager, Salmadu Gbanyawai; Climate and Comms Lead, Miriam Kabba; and our Tech Lead Mohamed Fofanah.
The retreat concluded with strategic planning for the upcoming Kolej Expo, ensuring a well-organized and impactful even. The comprehensive planning includes logistics, media engagement, career panel discussions, and action points for continuous progress toward Skool Grind’s 2030 goals.

Inspiring Peace Through Education: A Special Message from Joseph Kaifala

Finally in January, we marked the International Day of Education, Skool Grind embarked on a meaningful initiative to underscore the crucial role of education in fostering lasting peace. This year’s theme, “Learning for Lasting Peace,” gained added resonance as our world contends with conflicts and growing intolerance. For those who may have missed this impactful event, here’s a brief recap of what transpired.

MEET JOSEPH KAIFALA

Our guest speaker, Mr. Joseph Kaifala, is more than just a voice; he is a living testament to the transformative power of education. Founder and Principal of the Center for Memory and Reparations, Mr. Kaifala spearheads efforts to shape common narratives and promote remembrance around the Sierra Leonean civil war. His commitment extends to mapping and protecting mass graves, fostering healing from the wounds of the past.

In addition to his work in memory and reparations, Mr. Kaifala is the visionary behind the Jeneba Project. This initiative seeks to provide educational opportunities, particularly for adolescent girls in Sierra Leone. The Sengbe Pieh Academy, an outcome of the Jeneba Project, stands as a beacon of empowerment, offering girls access to quality high school education and a pathway to a brighter future. Beyond education, the project has contributed significantly by constructing a water supply system benefiting the school and the Robis village.

We invite you to catch up on this special moment by watching the video [here](insert link). In this video, Mr. Kaifala shares insights into the profound impact of education on fostering lasting peace, drawing from his own experiences and dedication to positive change.

As we look back on this past event, let us continue to draw inspiration from individuals like Mr. Kaifala, reinforcing our commitment to education as a catalyst for a more peaceful and equitable world.