Orange boosts young Sierra Leoneans in employment and empowerment at the National Youth Fair

Freetown | 18 November 2022 | Vertex Media

Following the launch of the maiden edition of the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, Orange Sierra Leone embarked on capacity building and creating job opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans. Orange Sierra Leone opened its booth at the youth fair, giving opportunities to potential entrepreneurs and seekers, throughout the past 3 days (from Tuesday 15 November to Thursday 17 November).

The company (Orange) recently participated in an entrepreneur initiative (Orange Social Venture Prize 2022) in Kigali, Rwanda, where a young Sierra Leonean entrepreneur and innovator Joseph Koroma won $25,000 for pitching the best idea.

**Annie Wonnie Katta, Head of Public Relations and CRS – Orange Sierra Leone**

The Head of Public Relations and CRS at Orange SL, Annie Wonnie Katta reiterates her company’s interest in supporting young people.

“Orange is really interested in capacity building and youth empowerment.”
“We established the Orange Digital Center and the Fab Lab to provide free coding lessons for young people,” she says.

“Orange is preparing the youth for the future because we know that the future is going digital, and we are deliberate to support the government in youth empowerment activities.”

Prior to the event, Orange puts out vacancies for young people to apply and be employed. At the Orange Booth at Bintumani, these young people were given the opportunity to send in their CVs at the National Youth Fair, where job openings were published.

Another opportunity given to them include, the opportunity to win Le 5,000 by pitching great entrepreneurial ideas to solving societal challenges, and the offering of free coaching service to aspiring entrepreneurs.

During the last 3 days, Tuesday 15 November to Thursday 17 November, Orange also organized training on software development, entertainment education, among others.

Madam Annie Wonnie Katta further craves the indulgence of young people to utilize the opportunities Orange Sierra Leone is giving them.

“We are encouraging young people to make use of the platforms we have created for capacity building”.

One vital aspect Orange incorporated in the National Youth Fair is entertainment. Top entertainment acts like Drizilik, Markmuday and others, performed at the Orange Booth, to the amusement of all present.

By Ibrahim Sorious Samura