Rewriting Futures: The Impact of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition

Rewriting Futures: The Impact of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition

Freetown, 9th April 2026.

In a world where opportunities are often unevenly distributed, initiatives that empower young people to discover their talents and voice are not just important they are transformative. One such initiative is the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, which, by its 5th edition, has grown into a powerful platform for nurturing talent, confidence, ambition and an unearthing aspiration among students.

What began as a simple essay contest has evolved into a nationwide movement one that is shaping the minds and futures of young people across Sierra Leone. The competition provides students with more than just a topic to write about; it offers them a rare opportunity to think critically, express themselves, engage with issues that matter and fortunately a cash prize up to NLE 50,000.

By the time the 5th edition was rolled out, its impact was already evident. Classrooms were no longer just spaces for passive learning they had become hubs of creativity and intellectual exploration. Students from diverse backgrounds embraced the challenge, many for the first time discovering the power of their own ideas.

Behind every submitted essay lies a story of courage.
There is the story of Hafeez O. A. Taqi the first-ever winner of NEC in 2020, who at the very beginning, was weighed down by doubt. He questioned himself constantly, unsure if he truly belonged in a competition that brought together some of the brightest and most talented writers in his age group and class. To him, the stage felt intimidating, the standard impossibly high, and the odds stacked against him.

Yet, despite the uncertainty, he chose to try.
With every word he wrote, he began to realize that his voice mattered. What started as hesitation slowly transformed into expression. His essay became more than just an entry it became a bold declaration of his thoughts, his perspective, and his courage to stand among the best.

When he emerged as the first-ever winner, it wasn’t just a victory over others it was a triumph over self-doubt. That moment didn’t just earn him recognition; it redefined how he saw himself. He was no longer the student who questioned his place he became proof that belief, once discovered, can elevate you beyond even your own expectations.

And his journey did not end there. Hafeez went even further, channeling his refined writing ability into authorship, publishing a book titled Divine, now available on Amazon a powerful testament to how one opportunity can spark a lifelong path of purpose and creativity.

Hafeez’s Story amongst other Success stories are not isolated they reflect a broader reality. The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition has become a catalyst for personal growth. While the prizes, including significant cash awards, are certainly motivating, participants consistently highlight something more valuable: the experience itself.

The 5th edition, in particular, underscored the competition’s role in fostering a culture of excellence and self-belief. It created a space where merit prevailed over circumstance, where students were judged not by their background but by the strength of their ideas.

Moreover, the competition has contributed to building a generation of thinkers and communicators. Participants leave not only as better writers but as more confident individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to discussions in their schools, communities, and beyond.