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Few events in the 2018 election campaign can compare to a broadcast held earlier this week. All day Thursday, radio and television sets blared across the city.  Nothing could be more important.   The top six presidential candidates approached Bintumani Conference Center at Aberdeen, Freetown in grand style. Each of them entered the hall with beaming faces, igniting the political ambiance. Hassan Arouni, a Sierra Leonean journalist working for the British Broadcasting Cooperation, was the moderator. There were other radio and television presenters plus local and international journalists, covering the event around the globe. Streaming services for small screens were made available by Africa Young Voices, one of the most popular television stations. No sooner had the introductions been made, than the contenders kicked off their political wrestling. They all stepped up to the pedestal, as they articulated their policies, visions, dreams, and plans they...

For generations,  rice husk has been left to rot or burn in Sierra Leone. A great source of biomass wasted, while young men cut their way into forests. Now, the Fomel Industry And National Industrialization Center, or Finic, has found a new way of getting charcoal without the cutting down of trees.  Over a two-year period, the management and staff of Finic tested a machine that converts rice husks into biochar. "One of the attributes of the equipment is that the heat it produces in the carbonization process can also be used as a heat source," said Mr. Foday Melvin Kamara, the company founder and managing director of Finic.  "It can be used to carbonize agricultural waste such as palm kernel shells from which gases can be derived to generate electricity," he said. FINIC , which is short for Fomel (Foday + Melvin) Industry and National Industrialization Center, is a leading agribusiness in Sierra Leone. The company specializes in grating machines, coffee...

23-year-old Millicent loves fashion. She first started designing her own clothes. Then a friend inspired her to show the world her remarkable talent. So Millicent began designing clothes for family and friends. Boosted by their kind words, she opened a small business. For three years now her arts and crafts have been a growing attraction. She designs beach sandals and flip flops, purses, necklaces, earrings, and clothes for clients in Freetown. "It's a gift," Millicent said. "I couldn't believe it at first but I finally excelled. I admire other people's arts and that has inspired me more often than I expected,” she said. Millicent has become so popular she is now signing contracts with boutique owners. She also does talk shows and television programs, inspiring other young people. "We all have special gifts but we will never find them if we fail to try our hand at every little thing that surrounds us." For Young Life in Freetown, ...