Freetown 22 June 2026
Orange Sierra Leone, through its Orange for Good Connections campaign, on Saturday, 13 June 2026, brought together school pupils aged 11 to 16 from eight public and private schools across the Western Area for a vibrant football tournament and drama competition focused on cyberbullying and excessive screen time. The event took place at the Amputees Training Field, Lumley Beach, Freetown, under the theme “Together Against Online Hate.”
The initiative convened students from Prince of Wales School, Saint Edward’s Secondary School, St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Methodist Girls High School, Annie Walsh Memorial School, Limount College, Providence International School, and Bilingual High School. More than just a competition, the event created a safe and engaging platform for young people to connect, collaborate, and reflect on their digital habits.
Blending sport with storytelling, the day’s activities encouraged participants to step away from screens and engage in meaningful, real-life interactions. Through drama, students shared powerful messages about the emotional impact of cyberbullying, while the football tournament fostered teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect.
Speaking at the event, Abdramane Kone, the Director of Strategic Transformation and Marketing at Orange Sierra Leone inspired young people to leverage on digitalization to make positive impact in the society.
Philip Emeh, Head of Communication, Branding and Sponsorship at Orange Sierra Leone, highlighted the company’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“This initiative is about encouraging young people to step away from harmful online spaces and engage in more meaningful, real-life interactions. Through teamwork and sportsmanship, we are sending a clear message against cyberbullying and promoting responsible digital behaviour,” he said.
For many students, participating in the event required significant effort beyond the field. Some travel long distances, incurring notable personal costs to cover transportation and access the venue—an indication of their strong commitment to being part of a movement that promotes positive change among young people.
Participants themselves emphasized the relevance of the initiative. Mohamed Chernor Fofana, captain of Providence International School, noted:
“Many young people spend a lot of time on platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram. This can affect our studies, and cyberbullying is a real issue. This program helps us reflect on our actions and encourages us to treat each other with respect.”
The tournament delivered thrilling moments, with both finals decided by penalty shootouts after closely contested matches. Providence International School emerged victorious in the boys’ category, defeating Saint Edward’s Secondary School 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw. In the girls’ category, Methodist Girls High School secured a 3–1 penalty wins over Bilingual High School, showcasing resilience and skill.
In the drama competition, Methodist Girls High School also emerged as winners, delivering a compelling performance that highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying and the importance of responsible digital behavior.
Winners in both categories received NLe 10,000, while runners-up were awarded NLe 5,000, recognizing not only their performance but also their sportsmanship and commitment.
Beyond the excitement of competition, the event underscored a deeper purpose: fostering respectful online communities and empowering young people to build positive connections offline. Through initiatives like this, Orange Sierra Leone continues to play a leading role in promoting responsible digital citizenship and inspiring the next generation to use technology safely, responsibly, and with empathy.
