Sierra Leone STEM Trainees Celebrate Graduation and Key Milestones in Sustainable Energy

Freetown, Sierra Leone – 5 November 2024 – Sustainable Energy for All proudly celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of Sierra Leone STEM Trainees, marking the successful completion of their eight-month training programme. These exceptional young women have gained critical technical skills, positioning them to play a leading role in the sustainable energy sector and contribute to the transformation of Sierra Leone’s energy landscape.

SEforALL's STEM Traineeship Programme – Empowering Women in Renewable Energy

The STEM Traineeship Programme provides participants with activity-based technical training and professional development through hands-on learning experiences and soft skills workshops. The programme is directly linked with employment outcomes, equipping young women with the skills needed to thrive in the renewable energy industry.

To date, 34 Trainees from Ghana, Kenya, Panama, and Sierra Leone have successfully completed the programme, with many going on to secure roles in the energy sector. The programme’s scope varies by cohort and location:

• In Ghana and Kenya, Trainees gained experience conducting energy audits, overseeing waste management initiatives, and developing energy transition plans.
• In Panama, the Trainees supported the National Energy Secretary of Panama’s Operación Solar initiative, working on stakeholder management, PV system design, and regulatory compliance.
• In Sierra Leone, participants gained experience in solar PV installation at healthcare facilities as part of the FCDO-funded Healthcare Electrification Project.

The programme aligns with SEforALL's commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG7 (Clean and Affordable Energy) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), by 2030.

A Milestone Achievement for Sierra Leone Trainees

The latest group of 11 Sierra Leonean graduates made a significant impact during their training, directly contributing to SEforALL’s Healthcare Electrification Project. The Trainees participated in the installation of solar systems that now provide reliable energy to healthcare facilities across Sierra Leone. Their efforts were particularly impactful in remote regions, where they helped power Kailahun Government Hospital and 18 community health centers, improving healthcare delivery for thousands of people.

Graduation Ceremony Highlights

The graduation ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including:

• Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, who underscored the critical role of women in STEM and the importance of their participation in shaping Sierra Leone’s future as a middle-income country by 2030.
• Stefano Marguccio, Deputy CEO of SEforALL, inspired the graduates by highlighting the vast opportunities available in the sustainable energy sector.
• Mohamed Bah, Programme Advisor at the Embassy of Iceland in Freetown, emphasized the transformative impact of their work on energy systems, communities, and ecosystems, imparting on each confidence in their continued progress.
• Absar Siddiqui, Project Manager of EM-ONE Energy Solutions, commended the trainees for their role in advancing the Healthcare Electrification Project.

The event was made possible through the support of our valued partners: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Austrian Development Cooperation, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland. Their continued contributions have been instrumental in the success of both the Healthcare Electrification Project and the STEM Traineeship Programme, which continues to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and empower young women in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Voices of Our Graduates

As part of the graduation celebrations, several graduates shared their reflections on the programme:

• Amida Adiatu Bangura, a 2024 Sierra Leone STEM Trainee, shared: "This Traineeship has profoundly shaped my career goals and strengthened my foundation in the renewable energy sector. In addition to developing technical skills, I gained a deeper understanding of energy-related topics, such as energy consumption and efficiency. This experience has defined my future, and I am now looking to pursue a master's degree in renewable energy."
• Mariama Jalloh, another 2024 graduate, reflected: "One of the most memorable parts of my experience was working on a solar energy project at the York Village Community Health Center. We were able to install solar panels, bringing a reliable power source to the center for the first time. It was eye-opening to see how clean energy can make a direct difference in healthcare services, reducing disruptions and providing better care to the people it serves."
• Samuella Yambasu, also a 2024 graduate, emphasized the importance of women in the energy sector: "Women’s participation in STEM and the energy sector is essential, especially in regions like West Africa. Representation matters—not only to bring new perspectives but to inspire young girls and women to pursue roles that influence technological advancement. Being part of this programme has empowered me, and I am reminded of the responsibility we have to pave the way for others."

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the accomplishments of these graduates, SEforALL is excited to see them continue to make strides in the sustainable energy sector, shaping the future of energy access and development in Sierra Leone, across Africa, and globally. Their achievements are a testament to the power of education, training, and opportunity in transforming both individual lives and entire communities.