Africell sponsors youngest innovator

Africell is the biggest GSM operator in Sierra Leone. The company has not relented in supporting innovations and creativity among youths in the country. The company strongly believes that the future belongs to young people who are able to make appropriate use of technology; and they take a great pride in leading the way in growing the country’s future innovations and entrepreneurs.  (Photo: Kelvin Bokai Doe…ready to make Salone proud)

Kelvin Bokai Doe is a 15-year-old SSS1 pupil of the Albert Academy that was unveiled at a colourful event held on Friday 21^st September 2012 at Wilberforce. Kelvin has been able to build among other things an FM radio Transmitter, stereo Amplifier and Sound Mixer and a Generator to power these equipment from scrap electrical and electronics materials. His achievements have been so renowned that he has now caught international attention. Through an organization called Global Minimum, the young innovator was able to display his innovations to the entire world in a Google plus Hangout in August this year, which has now earned him two invitations from prestigious institutions leading in innovation in the United States of America; the Maker Movement and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The Maker Movement has invited Kelvin to participate in the World Maker faire to be held on 28^th and 29^th September 2012 at the New York Hall of Science, Queens, New York. It is a two-day family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. During the Maker Faire, Kelvin will participate on the Young Makers Panel and have the opportunity to demonstrate some of the work he has already developed. From the 30^th September to the 14^th October 2012, the Young Sierra Leonean Innovator will be hosted as a visiting practitioner of the MIT International Development Initiatives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which is reputed to be the world’s most advanced school of innovation.

Kelvin’s visit to MIT will be in twofold: firstly to share his skills and perspectives with students at the MIT who are eager to learn how he was able to develop his prototypes from scrap electronics materials;  and secondly, to spend time at the various MIT Labs, working alongside students and staff, both learning from and teaching them; and will also attend the myriads of students run events, evening lectures and performances that are typical to campus life at MIT.

To facilitate his travelling and other cost involved, including pocket money, passport, visa, return air ticket,  Africell provided money to the tune of Le10, 250, 000 (ten million, two hundred and fifty thousand Leones).

Kelvin will be leaving for the United States today Monday 24^th September 2012 with SN Brussels and will return on 15^th October 2012.

Addressing journalists, Kelvin said he never thought of receiving such a wonderful opportunity. He revealed (while shedding tears) that people around him were laughing at him, but this did not deter him from going for his goal. “I remain focus and I hope to make my country proud of what I am doing,” he promised. He thanked his sponsors for their positive intervention, and prays that the company will grow from strength to strength.

Joe Abass Bangura is the company’s Corporate Affairs Officer. He commended the two US based institutions for the invitation. He is of the strong conviction that this partnership will be the beginning of many more ventures in the future.

Other speakers include an Adviser of Global Minimum, Paul Senge, and the organization’s Head of Operations, Javombo Mamoud.

By Mandosh Bangs

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