UBA Essay Winner Shines on Global Science Stage

Some opportunities offer recognition. Others transform lives.

For Sherilyn A. N. Kamara, an outstanding young Sierra Leonean whose passion for science and climate advocacy continues to break barriers, a single essay submitted to the United Bank for Africa (UBA) National Essay Competition (NEC) 2024 became the gateway to an extraordinary international journey—one that has taken her from a classroom in Sierra Leone to one of the world’s most prestigious scientific forums in the United Kingdom.

Today, Sherilyn stands as an inspiring example of how talent, determination and opportunity can combine to produce global success.

Her remarkable journey began when she emerged as the First Runner-Up in the fourth edition of the UBA National Essay Competition, one of the flagship programmes of the UBA Foundation, dedicated to nurturing academic excellence, critical thinking and leadership among senior secondary school students across Africa.

While the competition rewards exceptional writing, its broader mission is to empower young people with opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. For Sherilyn, that mission became a reality.

Winning the competition earned her more than national recognition. It opened doors to international exposure, professional development and life-changing experiences that would ultimately place Sierra Leone on the global scientific map.

Only a few weeks ago, Sherilyn achieved another historic milestone when she became the first Sierra Leonean ever selected to participate in the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), hosted at the renowned Imperial College London in the United Kingdom.

The annual forum brings together some of the world’s brightest young scientists and innovators, providing a platform for academic exchange, research collaboration and scientific exploration. This year’s edition attracted 419 outstanding students from dozens of countries, making Sherilyn’s participation a landmark achievement for Sierra Leone.

Representing her country with distinction, she delivered a thought-provoking climate foresight presentation titled “The Cost of Inaction: Imagine a World Without Climate Solutions by 2056.”

Her presentation challenged participants to reflect on the devastating consequences of failing to address climate change while encouraging greater investment in sustainable environmental solutions, innovation and international cooperation.

Her confidence, analytical thinking and communication skills quickly attracted attention throughout the forum.

In recognition of her outstanding performance, Sherilyn was selected as the only participant from Africa and one of only six students worldwide to serve on the official London International Youth Science Forum Closing Debate Panel.

The prestigious honour provided her with the opportunity to engage in high-level scientific discussions alongside some of the brightest young minds from across the globe, debating issues ranging from scientific innovation to global policy and the future of sustainable development.

Beyond the debates and presentations, Sherilyn remained focused on ensuring that her participation would produce tangible benefits for Sierra Leone.

Through networking and collaboration with international researchers and environmental experts, she successfully established partnerships that secured air-quality monitoring equipment for the Urban Better Freetown Hub, an initiative expected to strengthen community-based environmental monitoring and contribute to healthier, more sustainable urban communities.

The achievement reflects her determination to transform international exposure into practical solutions capable of addressing challenges at home.

Throughout the two-week programme, Sherilyn participated in intensive scientific lectures, laboratory demonstrations and educational visits to some of Britain’s leading academic institutions, including Oxford University, Cranfield University and state-of-the-art research laboratories.

These experiences provided valuable exposure to cutting-edge scientific research while strengthening her knowledge in climate foresight, environmental policy, science communication, innovation and international collaboration.

She says the knowledge acquired during the forum will be applied to advancing STEM education, climate action and scientific innovation in Sierra Leone.

Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Sherilyn paid special tribute to United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone, whose support made her participation at the international forum possible.

“To United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone, thank you for believing in my potential and sponsoring my journey to LIYSF 2026. As the First Runner-Up of the Fourth UBA National Essay Competition, representing Sierra Leone on this global stage was an honour I carry with immense pride.

UBA does not merely award prizes to students—you give us a platform, a voice and a seat at the table to thrive. You are an institution that truly embodies its commitment to empowering the next generation. Wherever my journey leads, I will always be a proud ambassador of UBA’s vision and excellence.”

Her heartfelt tribute highlights the broader impact of the UBA Foundation’s investment in education and youth development across Africa.

The UBA National Essay Competition has become one of the continent’s leading educational initiatives, encouraging young Africans to think critically, communicate effectively and pursue excellence while rewarding academic achievement with scholarships, mentorship and international opportunities.

For many participants, the competition represents more than an academic exercise—it serves as a launching pad for leadership, innovation and global engagement.

Sherilyn’s story perfectly illustrates that vision.

She returns to Sierra Leone carrying far more than certificates and memories.

She returns with international friendships, professional networks, practical scientific knowledge and renewed determination to contribute to national development.

Her ambition is to inspire more young Sierra Leoneans—particularly girls—to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while championing climate resilience and sustainable development.

At a time when Africa is increasingly seeking home-grown scientific solutions to global challenges, Sherilyn’s achievements demonstrate the immense potential that exists among the continent’s young people when they are provided with the right opportunities.

Her journey—from writing an essay in a national competition to standing on one of the world’s biggest scientific stages—serves as a powerful reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere and that one opportunity can change the course of a life.

For every young Sierra Leonean with a dream, Sherilyn Kamara’s story sends a clear and inspiring message: great achievements often begin with a single opportunity, a willingness to believe in yourself and the courage to pursue excellence.

It is also a testament to the UBA Foundation’s enduring commitment to investing in Africa’s next generation of innovators, leaders and changemakers—young people whose ideas and determination have the power to shape a brighter future for the continent.