For most children, summer is a time for fun and adventure. For dozens of young Sierra Leoneans, however, it became an opportunity to explore technology, unlock their creativity, and discover talents they never knew they had.
Smiles, excitement, and a sense of achievement filled the Orange Digital Centre on Friday, August 28, 2026, as Orange Foundation Sierra Leone celebrated the successful completion of its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026. The certification ceremony brought together children aged 7 to 15, proud parents, trainers, and invited guests to celebrate the remarkable journey of young learners who spent weeks developing skills in coding, web development, and 3D design.
What began on August 4 2026 as a summer learning programme quickly evolved into an inspiring experience that transformed curious children into confident young innovators. Beyond learning technical skills, participants were encouraged to think creatively, solve problems, work collaboratively, and bring their ideas to life.
One of the highlights of the programme was the coding class, where participants learned to use Scratch, a programming language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Through teamwork and imagination, the children created interactive stories, animations, and games. Their pride was evident as they presented projects such as “Flying Carrots,” an engaging game that demonstrated their growing understanding of coding concepts while showcasing their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
The web development participants also impressed attendees with projects inspired by their interests and ambitions. Their websites reflected a wide range of ideas, including a platform promoting Sierra Leonean fashion and culture, an e-commerce site, a football information portal, an educational flashcard platform, and a website designed to help beginners learn coding. Each project told a story about the children’s passions and their vision for how technology can connect, educate, and inspire others.
Perhaps the most remarkable moments came from the 3D Modelling and Printing class, where young participants demonstrated how technology can be used to address everyday challenges. Their creations included a rainwater filtration system and a self-watering flower vase, innovative solutions that reflected both practical thinking and a desire to make a positive impact in their communities.
As the children confidently presented their projects, parents watched with pride and admiration. For many families, seeing their children publicly demonstrate skills they had acquired in just a few weeks was both emotional and inspiring. The presentations showcased not only technical knowledge but also growing confidence, communication skills, and the courage to share ideas with others.
The celebration extended beyond technology, featuring performances by participants that added joy and energy to the event. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, applause, and a shared sense of accomplishment as families and guests celebrated the achievements of the young innovators.
The success of the programme reflects Orange Foundation Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to digital inclusion and youth empowerment. By providing access to technology and hands-on learning opportunities, the Foundation is helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world while nurturing the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.
For the participants, receiving a certificate was more than recognition for their hard work. It represented the beginning of a new journey filled with possibilities. Many left the programme with bigger dreams, greater confidence, and a newfound interest in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Through initiatives such as the Next Gen Summer Camp, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone continues to invest in the potential of young people, proving that when children are given the opportunity to learn, create, and innovate, they can become the architects of a brighter and more digitally empowered future for Sierra Leone.
CREDIT: Rose Aba Akafo