In January 2026, a powerful milestone was reached for science education in rural Sierra Leone. Through the partnership of Develop Africa and NEXGEN STEM, 350 STEM kits were donated to Smart Start Academy for Science and Technology in Yonni Town, opening doors to hands-on scientific discovery for hundreds of students.

What may appear to be two full-sized boxes of equipment represents something much greater: opportunity, innovation, and a new chapter for STEM education in the Pujehun District.

About Smart Start Academy for Science and Technology

Smart Start Academy is a secondary school located in Yonni Town, Kpanga Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Established on April 18, 2022, by Madam Ranita—an indigene of Pujehun District—in collaboration with community members and diaspora partners, the school was created to solve a pressing problem.

Before its founding, children in Yonni Town and surrounding communities had to walk approximately two miles to attend secondary school in nearby towns such as Gobaru. For many families, this distance created a barrier to consistent attendance and educational success.

Smart Start Academy became the first secondary school in Yonni Town and is now accessible to learners from more than ten surrounding villages. Even more significantly, it is currently the only secondary school in Pujehun District with a dedicated focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Today, the school serves approximately 500 students:

• 300 in junior secondary school
• 200 in senior secondary school

The senior secondary division offers two academic streams:

• Science and Technology
• Social and Cultural Studies (Arts)

Even students in the Arts stream study foundational science subjects such as Biology, Geography, and Core Science—meaning the impact of STEM resources reaches widely across the student body.

Why These STEM Kits Matter

For years, science at Smart Start Academy — like many rural schools — was taught largely in theory.

There was no science laboratory.  
There were no laboratory materials.  
Experiments were explained abstractly, without students being able to see, touch, or test concepts for themselves.

The donation of 350 STEM kits changes that reality.

These kits will directly benefit at least 200 senior secondary students and many others who participate in foundational science courses. For many of them, this will be their first experience conducting real scientific experiments.

From Abstract Lessons to Hands-On Discovery

The STEM kits will support practical learning activities such as:

• Energy transformation experiments
• DNA extraction and testing
• Filtration and water purification
• Drying and evaporation techniques
• Construction of basic electric circuits
• Solar energy demonstrations

Instead of memorizing definitions, students will now:

• Mix solutions and observe chemical reactions
• Filter and compare water samples
• Extract and examine DNA
• Build and test circuits
• Explore renewable energy principles

This shift from passive learning to experiential learning is transformative. It strengthens understanding, builds confidence, and nurtures curiosity—key ingredients in developing future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

A Teacher’s Voice: “We Have Been Teaching Biology Abstractly”

One of the most powerful reflections on this donation comes from Muhammad, the biology teacher at Smart Start Academy.

“I am Muhammad from Smart Start Science and Technology — the Biology teacher. I am more excited especially when I saw in the kits the DNA test kits which will aid us in teaching our children. Because so many years have passed by where we have been teaching biology abstractly — especially in this part of the region. We don't have a Science Lab, not to mention any laboratory materials.”

His words capture the significance of the moment.

For years, students learned about DNA, filtration, evaporation, and chemical reactions only from textbooks and chalkboard illustrations. Now, they can see the processes unfold before their eyes.

During one classroom demonstration using the water filtration kit, students observed how cotton wool could filter impurities, how water color changes, and how taste differs due to dissolved substances. They discussed alkalinity, evaporation, condensation, and purification—not just in theory, but through active experimentation.

“When we now teach biology — the practical aspect — we’ll now make use of these materials to teach our children so they will do well in their exams. We are all excited, including the children.”

Students’ Excitement and Gratitude

The enthusiasm extends beyond the teachers.

Students delivered heartfelt thank-you speeches, expressing their excitement about using:

• The DNA test kits
• The water filtration kits
• The solar energy kits
• The electric circuit materials

For many, this is their first time holding real scientific tools.

One student shared:

“Our school has never had such cool tools to learn with before. Your generosity will help us to become great scientists.”

Their gratitude reflects not only appreciation but also ambition—a vision of what they can become when given the right tools.

A Community Impact Beyond the Classroom

The impact of this donation reaches beyond individual students.

Smart Start Academy serves more than ten surrounding villages. As students gain practical STEM skills, they carry that knowledge into their homes and communities. They become problem-solvers capable of addressing real challenges such as:

• Water purification
• Renewable energy use
• Health and sanitation
• Environmental sustainability

In a district where resources are limited, empowering young minds with scientific understanding has long-term ripple effects.

Strengthening a Growing Institution

Smart Start Academy is still a young school, established in 2022. The provision of 350 STEM kits significantly strengthens its mission to deliver high-quality STEM education in a rural setting.

This partnership between Develop Africa and NEXGEN STEM is both timely and strategic. It equips the school to:

• Improve examination performance
• Increase student engagement
• Enhance science instruction quality
• Build confidence among teachers
• Position itself as a regional leader in STEM education

Feedback, photographs, and videos documenting the use and impact of the kits will be shared to demonstrate how this investment is changing lives.

Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Science

The administration, teachers, and students of Smart Start Academy express their sincere gratitude for this generous donation. But beyond gratitude, there is anticipation.

There is anticipation of:

• Students discovering a passion for biology, chemistry, or engineering
• Improved exam results through practical understanding
• Continued partnership and support
• A future generation of scientists emerging from Yonni Town

The 350 STEM kits represent more than equipment. They represent possibility.

As Muhammad, the biology teacher, expressed with heartfelt appreciation:

“We appreciate you so much. We are grateful to you.”

With these tools now in their hands, the students of Smart Start Academy are not just learning science—they are experiencing it.

And for many of them, that experience is the beginning of a dream.

Watch the video here: