By Christian Bassie Kamara: Education and Social Development Enthusiast, Researcher and Human Rights Advocate.

More girls are enrolled in school today than ever before, thanks to frantic efforts by the United Nations, its specialized agencies, NGOs, philanthropists, governments and communities across the globe. However, irrespective of the significant progress that has been made over the past decades, girls continue to be held back by biases, gender stereotypes and social norms, which have adversely affected the type and quality of education they receive and created gender disparity in the education sector.

Girls are particularly under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, which underpins the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this regard, leaving out girls in STEM education is a loss for all. According to the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO 2017), about 35% of female STEM students are in higher education globally and less than 30% of female researchers are employed in research and development. Women held only 25% of Science, Engineering and ICT jobs in 2022 (UNESCO 2024). This gender disparity is alarming and continues to limit women and girls from contributing to innovation, inclusive growth and sustainable development. It has equally retarded the attainment of Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 4 (Inclusive Education) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and consequently all the other goals because of the cross-cutting impact of education and gender equality.

In Sierra Leone, girls who want to access educational opportunities have been encountering enormous challenges and their enrollment in STEM courses falls down the pecking order when compared to their male counterpart. Notwithstanding the strides made by Government and NGOs which have evidently yielded some positive results, there seem to be a long way to go. Girls who are enrolled in school are often not motivated to pursue careers in STEM due to range of factors including negative stereotypes about girls’ intellectual capability to do well in Mathematics and other science subjects than boys, lack of the requisite technological infrastructure, social norms and expectations, domestic pressure, early marriage, teenage pregnancy and poverty.

In the midst of the above-mentioned challenges, a beacon of hope has been found in Olive B Academy (OBA), an academic institution equipped to drive and accelerate the transformation in STEM education for girls in Sierra Leone and the African continent as a whole. Inspired by Mrs. Olive Favor Kallon Baimba, a visionary educator, business enthusiast and girl-child advocate, OBA is the first all girls academic institution in Sierra Leone focusing on STEM education. With an internationally recognized standard of education, a state of the art technological infrastructure, experienced and qualified educators and a student centred approach, Olive B. Academy is dedicated to the technological and academical empowerment of girls, while engaging them in project based learning to be able to contribute and at the same time, compete in a rapidly changing and complex global society. As an all girls boarding school targeting both the less privileged and affluent, OBA strives to address a notable challenge facing the african girl-child: lack of time to focus on studies and other academic activities as a result of routine engagement with domestic work, a role society has deliberately ascribed to them because of their gender.

Innumerable challenges exist and gender inequalities in STEM education in Sierra Leone remains stark. Nonetheless, the landscape of STEM education for girls in Sierra Leone is indeed witnessing a whirlwind of change with the establishment of OBA. Serving as a breeding ground for the next generation of female innovators and leaders in Sierra Leone and beyond, OBA will not only complement the government’s free quality education agenda but equally play an instrumental role in human capital development, bridge the gender gap that exists between girls and boys in STEM education, promote equalization of opportunities for girls and create a platform for girls to actualize their full potential.

References:
Global Education Gender Monitoring Report: Technology on her Terms; UNESCO 2024

Cracking the Code: Girls’ and Women’s Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); UNESCO 2017

Closing the Gender Gap in STEM Education in Africa; Shona Bezanson

Promoting Girls’ Education in Sierra Leone; Joseph Kebbie, 2016.

Supporting Girls to Pursue Careers in Stem; Intercommunity Girls Space Empowerment – Sierra Leone

In the heart of Sierra Leone, a momentous occasion unfolded in 2022 that marked the commencement of a transformative journey – the groundbreaking ceremony for the Olive B Academy. As I reflect on this significant event, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the impact this institution will undoubtedly have on education in the region.

Setting the Scene:

The Olive B Academy represents more than just the construction of a physical structure; it symbolizes a commitment to nurturing young minds, fostering growth, and contributing to the educational landscape of Sierra Leone. The groundbreaking ceremony served as a cornerstone, both literally and metaphorically, for the educational aspirations of the community.

Community Spirit:

One of the most heartening aspects of the ceremony was the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the local community. Residents, educators, and dignitaries gathered to witness the turning of the soil, signaling the beginning of a project that holds the promise of empowerment through education.

Speeches that Inspired:

As part of the ceremony, I had the privilege of delivering a speech that resonated with the vision behind Olive B Academy. I spoke about the transformative power of education in shaping not only individual lives but the destiny of communities and nations. The academy, I emphasized, is not just a building; it is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change.

Empowering the Next Generation:

Olive B Academy is envisioned as more than just a place of learning; it’s a space where students will be encouraged to explore their passions, cultivate critical thinking skills, and develop into well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a journey to empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

Local Impact and Global Vision:

While the academy is deeply rooted in the local community, its vision extends beyond borders. The groundbreaking ceremony was not just a local event; it was a statement of intent that echoed globally. The aim is to create an institution that not only meets international educational standards but also prepares students to be global citizens, ready to contribute meaningfully on the world stage.

Construction Milestones:

As construction progresses, each milestone achieved is a testament to the collective effort invested in this project. The excitement is tangible as the physical structure begins to take shape, mirroring the aspirations of those who dreamt of a place where education transforms lives.

Looking Forward:

As we move forward from the groundbreaking ceremony, the journey ahead holds the promise of continued collaboration, growth, and positive change. The Olive B Academy is not just a school; it is a testament to the belief that education is the key to unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities.

In Conclusion:

The Olive B Academy groundbreaking ceremony in Sierra Leone was a celebration of dreams, possibilities, and the unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. As the academy takes shape, so too will the future of countless students who will pass through its doors, armed with knowledge, inspiration, and the tools to make a lasting impact on the world. The groundbreaking ceremony was just the beginning of a remarkable journey, and the best is yet to come for Olive B Academy and the community it serves.

These competitions are designed not only to enhance spelling skills but also to promote a deeper understanding of language, vocabulary, and effective communication. By participating in these events, students will have the opportunity to showcase their linguistic acumen, build confidence, and cultivate a love for language.

The school believes that such intellectual challenges play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals. Through the spelling bee competitions, we aim to instill a sense of curiosity and a passion for words that will serve our students well in their academic and professional journeys.

We extend our gratitude to the dedicated educators who are championing this initiative and creating an environment where learning goes beyond textbooks. The spelling bee competitions are just one of the many ways we are committed to providing enriching experiences that contribute to the holistic development of our students.

Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming spelling bee events, and let’s cheer on our students as they embark on this exciting linguistic adventure! Together, let’s celebrate the power of words and the boundless potential within each student.