By Michaella Faith Wright
The first-ever Sierra Leone Diaspora Youth Summit marked a significant milestone for the Sierra Leonean community, particularly its youth. Organized by the Youth Envoy to Sierra Leone, Yulisa Ahmadu, the summit took place at the Tacoma Park Community Center in the United States. The event was themed “Unleashing Potential, Empowering Change: Building a Stronger Sierra Leonean Diaspora Youth Summit,” reflecting its mission to empower and unite the diaspora youth.
The summit was a remarkable gathering that brought together an impressive array of minds and talents. It aimed to foster a more robust and empowered Sierra Leonean diaspora youth community. Attendees experienced a wealth of insights through various discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including leadership, entrepreneurship, education, and community development, all tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Sierra Leonean diaspora.
One of the summit’s most notable moments was the recognition of outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields and the community. Vickie Remoe, a prominent media personality and advocate for Sierra Leone, was among the four honored. Alongside her, three other distinguished individuals were celebrated for their exceptional efforts and dedication to uplifting the Sierra Leonean community both locally and internationally.
Vickie Remoe’s award highlighted her tireless work in media and communication, where she has used her platform to promote Sierra Leonean culture, advocate for women’s rights, and address critical social issues. Her recognition at the summit was a testament to her impact and the inspiration she provides to many young Sierra Leoneans.
The other awardees included leaders and innovators who have excelled in various fields such as technology, education, and community service. Their stories of perseverance and success served as powerful examples of what can be achieved with dedication and a commitment to making a difference.
The summit also provided a platform for networking and collaboration. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, fostering relationships that could lead to future collaborations and initiatives. The sense of community and shared purpose was palpable, as participants exchanged ideas and strategies for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.
In addition to the formal sessions, the summit featured cultural performances and exhibitions that showcased the rich heritage of Sierra Leone. These activities added a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere to the event, reminding attendees of their roots and the importance of cultural pride in their journey.
Yulisa Ahmadu, the driving force behind the summit, expressed his gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of such gatherings. He highlighted the need for continuous engagement and support for the diaspora youth, who play a crucial role in the development of both their host countries and Sierra Leone.
The success of the inaugural Sierra Leone Diaspora Youth Summit underscores a promising future for the community. It demonstrated the immense potential within the diaspora and the power of unity and collaboration in driving positive change. As the event concluded, there was a renewed sense of energy and optimism, with many attendees looking forward to future summits and continued progress.
In summary, the Sierra Leone Diaspora Youth Summit 2024 was a landmark event that celebrated achievements, fostered connections, and empowered the next generation of Sierra Leonean leaders. It set a strong foundation for ongoing efforts to build a resilient and dynamic diaspora community, ready to make impactful contributions both locally and globally.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Monday, June 7th , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
