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Narnia Kiddies Career Fair ‘26: Big Dreams, Bright Futures for Every Child
In a world where the future of work is evolving faster than ever, early exposure to career possibilities is no longer a luxury it is a necessity. The Kiddies Career Fair, held recently in Freetown, Sierra Leone, positioned itself as a bold response to this reality, creating a space where imagination meets opportunity and where children are encouraged to see themselves not just as learners, but as future professionals, innovators, and leaders. Unlike conventional career events that target university students or young adults, this fair deliberately focused on younger minds. The atmosphere was vibrant but purposeful: classrooms transformed into interactive booths, professionals stepping out of their formal roles to engage…
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Inside the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Cohort: What It Means for Sierra Leone, UBA, and Africa’s Entrepreneurial Future
On Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the iconic Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Africa witnessed more than just an announcement, we witnessed a reaffirmation of belief. A belief in African ingenuity, in youth-driven enterprise, and in a future engineered by opportunity rather than chance.At the center of it all stood Tony Elumelu, whose vision continues to reshape the continent’s economic trajectory through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). The Process: Engineering Opportunity at ScaleThe 2026 cohort announcement marked the first of four cohorts that will empower 3,200 entrepreneurs across Africa this year. But behind the celebration lies a rigorous, multi-stage process designed not just to fund businesses: but to build them sustainably.…
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Our Time, Our Power: Samesther Hannah Kargbo and the Movement Redefining Girls’ Leadership in Sierra Leone
In October 2023, Ariana Diaries featured Samesther Hannah Kargbo as a passionate changemaker igniting the movement for girls’ leadership in Sierra Leone. Two years later, that spark has grown into a transformative flame. A structured, youth-driven movement reshaping how girls see themselves and how the world sees them. From advocacy to implementation, from voice to impact, Samesther’s work through the Girls Advocacy Development Network (GADNet-SL) has evolved into a powerful ecosystem of leadership, mentorship, and solidarity. The 2025 National Girls’ Summit (NGS), themed “Our Time, Our Power: Building the Future We Deserve,” held in Makeni(October 2025), stands as a bold testament to that progress. A New Era of Leadership: By…
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Plantmamasl’s Garden Therapy: A Digital Detox Teens Love
On the 29th July 2025, something special bloomed in the heart of Sierra Leone. Plantmamasl, a homegrown wellness and nature-based initiative, hosted the very first Unplug and Sprout. A one-of-a-kind garden-themed retreat for pre/teens. The idea was simple but powerful: step away from screens, step into nature, and grow from the inside out. It is no secret that our world is dominated by screens, this event gave teens the rare chance to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the world around them. But it was not just about fun. This was a bold response to a growing mental health crisis linked to too much screen time. Why We Need to…
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THE WOMAN’S PLACE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES IN FREETOWN: ADVANCING WOMEN’S AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH IN SIERRA LEONE
On the radiant morning of July 11th, 2025, the TWPF Hospital Complex at Murray Town, Freetown, buzzed with anticipation and hope. The turnout was nothing short of remarkable: health professionals, government dignitaries, community leaders, students, mothers, and fathers gathered, united by a single vision: to witness the official launch of The Woman’s Place Foundation (TWPF). This was the formalization of a movement; one that has quietly, intentionally, and persistently shaped adolescent and women’s health across Sierra Leone for years. The Heartbeat: Dr. Frances Ramatu Wurie’s Story Dr. Frances Wurie, obstetrician/gynecologist, founder, and convener of TWPF, took the stage with humility and pride. Her journey began in 2016, shaped by experiences…
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NURTURING TOMMOROW’S FREE THINKERS AND INNOVATORS: A RECAP OF THE KIDDIES CAREER FAIR 2024
The atmosphere was electric as parents, educators, and young enthusiasts gathered for the annual Kiddies Career Fair—a vibrant celebration of STEM and Renewable Energy education. From insightful panel discussions to hands-on workshops and captivating presentations, the event was a testament to the power of community collaboration in shaping the future of our youth. Steering the event beautifully was Ms. Sunah Keili, founder – Skool Grind. The day kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion led by prominent women in STEM and Tech fields. Magdalene Peters, with her eloquence and passion, guided the conversation, delving into the crucial role of awareness and preparedness among parents, educators, and stakeholders in guiding children…
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Celebrating over a Decade of Empowering African Female Entrepreneurs: The Journey of Women Mean Business
In 2013, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, a revolutionary movement was born. Women Mean Business (WMB) emerged as a beacon of empowerment and collaboration for African female entrepreneurs, igniting a spark that would transform the entrepreneurship landscape in Sierra Leone and its diaspora. What began as a humble gathering during Women’s Month has blossomed into a dynamic community, driving tangible change and fostering growth in the African private sector. Last year, we celebrated a decade of empowerment, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have supported our journey thus far. To our founding partners, Ajara Marie Bomah and Roselynn Onah, our sponsors, strategic…
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EMPOWERING VOICES FOR A BETTER SIERRA LEONE: WORLD SPEECH DAY 2024 HOSTED BY THE ANTI GLOSSOPHOBIA ACADEMY
World Speech Day 2024 was not just a day on the calendar; it was a celebration of voices, ideas, and the power of communication to spark positive change. On the 15th of March, Sierra Leone joined over 100 nations across the globe in commemorating this momentous occasion. As the only public speaking hub in the nation, The Anti-Glossophobia Academy proudly took the lead in organizing a remarkable event – “A Night Celebration of Speeches and Networking” themed “Ideas for a Better Salone.” One of the most captivating aspects of the event was the open mic arena, where individuals from all walks of life took the stage to share their visions…
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40 Things I’ve Learned at 40: A Mini Masterclass in Growth, Purpose & Becoming
Turning forty is often framed as a milestone of arrival. For me, it is something far more sacred: a milestone I was not always certain I would reach. My early years were marked by significant personal trials: near-death accidents, a season of facial paralysis, complex reproductive health battles including fibroids, adenomyosis and endometriosis, the private grief of infertility, business disappointments, personal failures and seasons of immense loss. There were moments when the future felt uncertain, when long-term planning felt aspirational rather than guaranteed. Longevity was never something I took for granted. Yet surviving is not the same as living. Somewhere between hospital rooms, boardrooms, classrooms and prayer closets, a shift…
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CRAFTING AWESOME TEACHERS FOR TODAY’S WORLD
In a dynamic world, teachers stand as the architects of enlightenment, urgently needed and wanted. Their role isn’t merely desired; it is vital in guiding generations through the labyrinth of knowledge. Let’s acknowledge and celebrate their indispensable contribution, for today, more than ever, teachers shape both minds and destinies. – Ariana Oluwole October 5 – World Teacher’s Day 2023 – UNESCO Theme: The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage. As of August 24, 2022, Sierra Leone boasts 80,744 teachers among a population of slightly over 8 million people. This is a considerable number deserving of recognition and support. Over the…
