By Bampia James Bundu
A 16-year old budding Sierra Leonean scientist, Kelvin Doe on Saturday signed a $100,000 contract with Sierra WIFI at the Country Lodge in Freetown. The contract with the solar engineering and wireless internet firm is meant to expand his innovative skills. Speaking after the signing, the Chief Executive Officer of Sierra WIFI, Anthony Malhem said the contract included research, hardware cost and design spanning across five phases. He said the company was in the process of building a research laboratory, which he said would be used by the budding scientist. Malhem said the construction of the lab could be completed within three weeks. “This contract will benefit Kelvin in many ways and that it will not affect his normal school work,” Malhem assured. In his address after signing his contract in the presence of his parents, relatives and friends, the young Prince of Wales student said that he was satisfied with the terms of the agreement, adding that it would enhance his quest to be more innovative and prove himself to the world. “I am more interested in the work than the money;” he said, adding that “in life your contribution towards the development of your country is important”. He pointed out that the challenges ahead would not in any way hinder his studies because he would have enough time to study and do his work. Kelvin called on his kids to take their studies seriously, emphasizing that commitment was essential in whatever one was doing to achieve success. Senior Presidential Adviser, Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo expressed government’s commitment in promoting the talent of young Sierra Leoneans like Kelvin Doe who he said was an example to his peers. It will be recalled that during the Independence Day celebrations, President Ernest Bai Koroma awarded Kelvin Doe for his “innovative skills and outstanding performance” during his tour in America as guest of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
