Project 1808, Inc. has officially kickstarted activities for the 8th National Science and Leadership Festival in Kabala, Koinadugu District, with a Career Guidance Day aimed at inspiring young people to take education, leadership, and innovation seriously.
The festival will run for three days, from January 14 to January 16, 2026, bringing together pupils, university students, innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, paramount chiefs, journalists, volunteers, families, and youth groups from across Sierra Leone and beyond.
Organisers said the festival is designed to combine science education with leadership development, while helping young people understand real career pathways in today’s changing world.
Theme: Breaking Barriers and Building on Africa’s Cultural Foundation
This year’s festival is being held under the theme: “Breaking Barriers and Building on Africa’s Cultural Foundation to Support Innovation, Environmental Sustainability, Research and Development.”
Project 1808 said the theme highlights the need for Sierra Leone to build modern solutions by respecting African knowledge systems and strengthening innovation through science and leadership.
The festival will focus on science, technology, engineering, environment, arts, mathematics, and medicine (STEEAMM), together with leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural learning.
Career Guidance Day Targets Young People
As part of the opening activities, the Career Guidance Day was introduced to provide mentorship and motivation to pupils and students, especially those preparing for major academic and career decisions.
Participants are expected to interact with professionals, innovators, and mentors who will share their experiences, offer advice, and encourage students to pursue careers in science, leadership, business, and other areas important for national development.
Founder Traces Project 1808 History, Calls for African-Based Education
During his keynote speech, the founder of Project 1808 reflected on the organisation’s journey and said their education mission started long before free education became national policy in Sierra Leone.
“We start free education when there is was no free education in Sierra Leone,” he said. “Idea started in 2010 with Dr Alhaji U Njai.”
He encouraged young people and education stakeholders to promote learning that reflects African realities, stressing that education should be linked to local resources and daily life.
“Our education should be based on the things we use in Sierra Leone and Africa,” he said.
The Project 1808 founder also delivered a strong message on sovereignty, unity and self-reliance, saying African countries must take ownership of their development.
“Building true sovereignty and identity, the doors are closing, it dignity important that we embrace ourselves, know ourselves and work together in building sovereignty and dignity,” he noted.
He warned against overdependence on external support, saying progress cannot be achieved through constant reliance on donations.
“Any nation that depends on charity will not grow,” he added.
Paramount Chiefs Welcome Festival, Emphasise Culture
The festival has also received strong community support, with paramount chiefs in the district warmly welcoming the organisers and visitors, describing the event as important for youth empowerment and long-term development in the region.
Speaking during the welcome engagement, one of the panelists, Prof. Kewulay Kamara highlighted the cultural value of the festival and said it is not only about science and leadership, but also about identity.
“This event helps remind us of who we are and our cultural identity,” Prof. Kewulay Kamara said.
Prof. Kewulay Kamara also spoke about the traditional dress he wore, explaining that people often misunderstand it.
“Some people who see us wearing the dress think we are rituals. What they don’t know is that many years ago, these were the dress wore by our ancestors. Putting on these dress is reflection of who we are,” he added.
Organisers Promise Impactful Sessions
Project 1808 said the festival will feature activities including exhibitions, innovation showcases, leadership sessions, community engagements, cultural performances, and discussions on sustainability and development.
Organisers believe the festival will show that science and technology can improve everyday life when combined with strong leadership and community-based solutions.
The festival is open to the public, and residents have been encouraged to attend and participate in the sessions over the three days.
