Sherilyn A. N. Kamara, the first participant from Sierra Leone, represented her country at the 2026 London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) held at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom. Her participation marked a significant milestone for Sierra Leone, as she was the inaugural representative from the nation at this prestigious global science event. Kamara expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "To United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone, thank you for believing in my potential and sponsoring my journey to LIYSF 2026." She added, "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." Kamara further noted that UBA "does not merely award prizes to students; you give us a platform, a voice and a seat at the table to thrive," affirming she would "always be a proud ambassador of UBA’s vision and excellence." Her journey to the LIYSF showed the impact of dedicated mentorship and support in fostering young talent.
Global Stage Achievements
Sherilyn A. N. Kamara participated alongside 419 young scientists from various global regions during the forum. The diverse group of participants offered a rich environment for scientific exchange and collaboration. The Sierra Leonean youth delivered a compelling climate foresight presentation titled “The Cost of Inaction: Imagine a World Without Climate Solutions by 2056.” This presentation noted critical environmental issues and potential future scenarios, demonstrating her deep engagement with global challenges. Kamara was selected as the sole African representative and one of six speakers on the official LIYSF Closing Debate Panel, a testament to her articulate communication skills and insightful contributions. Her role on the panel provided a platform to share perspectives from Sierra Leone and the African continent on pressing scientific matters. She gained practical exposure to advanced scientific research through academic visits to both the University of Oxford and Cranfield University, allowing her to observe advanced methodologies and interact with leading researchers. These visits enriched her understanding of scientific inquiry and innovation. Additionally, Kamara secured air-quality monitoring equipment for the Urban Better Freetown Hub, an initiative aimed at improving urban environments and promoting sustainable development in her home country. This achievement directly translates her international experience into tangible benefits for her community.
Path Through UBA Competition
Sherilyn A. N. Kamara's involvement at the London International Youth Science Forum stemmed directly from her achievement as the first runner-up in the fourth UBA National Essay Competition in 2024. This competition served as a foundational step for her selection to represent Sierra Leone on a global scientific platform. The UBA National Essay Competition is recognized as one of the UBA Foundation’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives, designed to foster academic excellence and provide opportunities for young individuals across the region. The competition's rigorous selection process identifies promising students with a strong aptitude for critical thinking and written expression. Kamara's success in this competition ultimately paved her way to the international forum, where she engaged with scientists and presented her research findings to a global audience. The initiative by the UBA Foundation aims to identify and nurture talent, offering participants pathways to further their educational and scientific aspirations. Her journey illustrates the profound impact of such programs in propelling promising students onto international stages, providing them with invaluable exposure and networking opportunities. The competition's role in her trajectory notes its significance as a platform for youth development and global engagement, showcasing how local initiatives can lead to international recognition.
Future Impact and Networks
Sherilyn A. N. Kamara intends to apply the experience and knowledge gained from the London International Youth Science Forum to foster meaningful change in Sierra Leone. She plans to leverage her newfound expertise to address local challenges and inspire her peers. Kamara reiterated her appreciation for UBA's support, stating, "UBA does not merely award prizes to students; you give us a platform, a voice and a seat at the table to thrive." She returned to Sierra Leone with new international networks, practical ideas, and a renewed commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, climate action, and youth empowerment. These connections and insights are expected to be instrumental in her future endeavors. Kamara affirmed her dedication, stating, "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." She earlier noted, "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." Her return signifies not just personal achievement but also a renewed drive to contribute to her nation's progress, armed with global perspectives and a strengthened resolve to make a difference.