Pitch. Present. Prove It. Youth Take the Mic at Silverstool’s 1st Online Data Science Fair
12 December 2024 | Virtual Event
Energy was high and the data was real as students gathered for the 1st Silverstool/B.A.L.L.E Foundation Online Data Science Fair. Hosted virtually, the fair brought together secondary and university-level Silverstoolers from:
- The Noble College@GlobalTell, Nigeria
- University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Ghana
- Hilltop Schools, Liberia
- Presby Senior High Technical School (PSHTS) – Adukrom, Ghana
Each team presented their data stories to an esteemed panel of judges:
- Renée Robinson, MA – Global Performing Artiste & CEO, Renée Robinson Representation R3, USA & Strategic Partner, Silverstool
- Professor Ike Okosun, PhD – Professor of Epidemiology, Georgia State University, USA
The day opened with remarks by Dr. Lyn Ametewee, PhD MA LLM MBA, Masters Certificate in Data Science, President of the Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program & Principal & CEO Founder, Silverstool, Ghana. She welcomed students, educators, and guests with a powerful reminder of the journey they had taken — from curious beginners to confident young data scientists ready to lead with data and heart.
🎖️ Best Poster Award: Abstract 1 – “Sedentary Behaviour among Schoolchildren in Ghana, Liberia, and Namibia”
Led by Samuel Idigbe, this student research team defended their work confidently under live questioning from judges. Their project examined regional differences in youth movement patterns and proposed data-driven health interventions.
Co-authors:
- Samuel Idigbe, Aminat Lukmon, Omolade Adekunle, Rhema-Praise Owupele, Daniel Oche, Ezekiel Makun – The Noble College@GlobalTell, Nigeria & Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program
- Erica Adjei, Kingsbel Osantey, Dziedorm Osantey – University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Ghana & Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program
- Assata Fahnbulleh, Ophelia Nah – Hilltop Schools, Liberia & Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program
- Emmanuella Mawutor – Presby Senior High Technical School (PSHTS), Adukrom, Ghana & Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program
Mentors:
Dr. Dennis Nii Ayeh Mensah, PhD MSc – Dean, Silverstoolers Program & Strategic Partner, Silverstool, Ghana
Dr. Lyn Ametewee, PhD MA LLM MBA – Principal & CEO Founder, Silverstool, Ghana; President, Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program; President & CEO Founder, B.A.L.L.E Foundation, Ghana
The atmosphere was electric. The Google Meet chat overflowed with encouragement, and the judging session became a live masterclass in youth-powered research. One guest described the moment Samuel confidently defended their team’s findings as “an absolute highlight.”
Guest feedback:
“Excellent program! I am really proud of these emerging data scientists!!”
— Professor Sharon Hill, Clinical Associate Professor & Academic Director, Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Georgia State University, USA
Our Global Education Partners
This event was made possible by a strong network of international collaborators, including:
B.A.L.L.E Foundation (Ghana), Hilltop Schools (Liberia), The Noble College @GlobalTell (Nigeria), University of Environment and Sustainable Development (Ghana), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Presby Senior High Technical School – Adukrom (Ghana), and Addison International Center for Emotional Intelligence (Ghana).
Ready to Take the Stage at Our Next Data Science Fair?
Are you between the ages of 14 and 22 with a passion for real-world problems and a curiosity for data?
The Silverstoolers Student-Led Data Science & AI Program gives you the chance to learn, explore, and showcase your work on a global platform — just like the incredible youth featured in this fair.
Students: Talk to your school, college, or university about becoming a partner.
Institutions: Let’s work together to bring this opportunity to your learners.
