SLSUH

Leone Students Union in Hungary Marks 64th Independence Anniversary with Vibrant Celebrations

Pécs, Hungary – April 27, 2025
Under the theme "Reflecting Our Past, Embracing Our Future," the Sierra Leone Students Union in Hungary (SLSUH) organized a colorful and memorable event to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary of Sierra Leone. The day was filled with patriotism, cultural pride, thoughtful reflection, and inspiring discussions about leadership and the nation's future.

The celebration began with guest arrival, where participants were warmly welcomed with cultural music, drinks, Sierra Leonean flags, and event programs.

The program opened with prayers from both Christian and Muslim representatives demonstrating the Union’s commitment to inclusivity and unity. This was followed by the heartfelt singing of the **Sierra Leone National Anthem, sparking a deep sense of pride among attendees.

Deputy Secretary General Joshua Moriba introduced the Master of Ceremonies (MC), seamlessly guiding participants through the event.

A warm and motivating Welcome Address was delivered by Emmanuel Gaima , who highlighted the significance of the day and called for collective pride in Sierra Leone’s achievements and aspirations.

Mamadu Makkah Jalloh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, then introduced the dignitaries and special guests, which included representatives from the English-German Students Union, as well as Student Union members from Angola, Nigeria, Rwanda, Norway, Hungary, and many other nations.

The Keynote Address was delivered by President Hassan Mahmoud Thullah , he reflected on Sierra Leone’s journey since independence, the current challenges and opportunities, and passionately called on the youth to take active roles in building inclusive and transformative leadership for the future.

- Solomon Gabriel Brima delivered a powerful poem reflecting the Sierra Leonean spirit.
Muctarr Mohamed Abubarkarr Bellay , Deputy Minister of Organizing, captivated the audience with his poem titled "Why Sierra Leone." His poem offered guests a profound insight into the character and resilience upon which the nation is built, evoking strong emotions and deep reflection.
- Deputy Secretary General Joshua Moriba also performed a spoken word piece that energized the audience.
- Rick Lassie delivered a motivational speech, encouraging students to stay committed to their personal and collective aspirations.

Secretary General Kamanda Massaquoi led the Independence Day Reflection, honoring national heroes and screening a short documentary that chronicled key moments of Sierra Leone’s history.

A dynamic panel discussion titled "The Role of Youth in Nation Building – Home and Abroad" followed, moderated by James Moinina. The distinguished panelists were:
- Mamadu Makkah Jalloh (Budapest)
- Joshua Moriba (Pécs)
- Mohamed Kanu (Szeged)
- John Bendu (Debrecen)
- Kamanda Massaquoi (Nyíregyháza)

The discussion explored the responsibilities of young Sierra Leoneans in shaping the country's future and fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
The introduction of SLSUH Executive Members reinforced the Union's commitment to leadership and community building.

The evening continued with a dinner and party featuring the famous cassava leaf, traditional Sierra Leonean dish and a musical celebration with popular songs from Jimmy B, Salia Koroma, Amie Kallon, Emerson Bockarie, Shadow Boxer and Idris Elba, and The Therapist.

Attendees also enjoyed a fashion show featuring traditional Sierra Leonean attire, celebrating the beauty and diversity of the nation's culture.

In her Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks, Viice President Fancynatu expressed profound gratitude to all who made the event a success, reinforcing the unity and pride of the Sierra Leonean community in Hungary.

View Event Highlights
Catch more memorable moments from the celebration here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18WnJhyVZ8/

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16PVRWoqyG/

SLSUH
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme
Ministry Of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone
David Moinina Sengeh - PhD

‼️Clarification on Student Union Website & Stipend Data Collection‼️

Dear Union Members,

We are pleased to announce that the Student Union Website is now live! This platform will streamline the collection of student data for stipends from the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) while ensuring enhanced privacy and data security.

Only verified Union members, as recognized by the Union Executive, will receive the official website links. Please note that only recognized members will be eligible to submit data through the Union.

The Union reserves the right to reject submissions from individuals who are currently not members as the per participation criteria set by the Executive.

‼️ Those who do not qualify as participating members may engage GoSL directly if they so choose. The Union does not have the mandate or intention to prevent students from receiving their stipends.

However, it is essential to understand that in order to be represented by the Union, one must be an active, participating member.

Without an individual’s engagement in Union activities and in-person attendance at Union events, the Union cannot independently verify that they are residing in Hungary for the purpose of their studies. ‼️

In this light, we strongly encourage all members to actively participate in Union activities, in order for them to be represented by the Union.

For further clarification on the qualification criteria, please listen to the President’s address, sent via voice message to the Union group.

‼️ The official website links will be distributed on Sunday at 23:59 CET (Central European Time). ‼️

Best regards,
Minister of Education & Innovation Officer
Sierra Leone Students Union in Hungary

Her Excellency Fancynatu Isha Kamara – Vice President of the Sierra Leone Students’ Union in Hungary (2024–2025 Academic Year).
A beacon of resilience, intellect, and unwavering commitment to service, Fancynatu Isha Kamara stands as an epitome of transformational leadership, academic excellence, and cultural advocacy. As the Vice President of the Sierra Leone Students’ Union in Hungary (SLSUH) for the 2024–2025 academic year, she embodies the spirit of progress, empowerment, and selfless service, ensuring that Sierra Leonean students in Hungary not only navigate their academic journeys with ease but also flourish in a supportive and inclusive community.
A Legacy of Leadership: From Sierra Leone to Hungary
Born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Fancynatu’s leadership prowess cultivated from an early age. Her journey began at St. Augustine Primary School Tintafor Lungi, where she entrusted with the esteemed position of Head Girl, a role that served as the foundation for her lifelong dedication to leadership and advocacy.
Her transition to Annie Walsh Memorial School for Girls, one of Sierra Leone’s most prestigious institutions, saw her flourish as a formidable leader and academic prodigy. Throughout her high school years, she actively engaged in various student-led organizations, championing initiatives that empowered young girls and fostered academic excellence. Her outstanding leadership skills culminated in her appointment as Deputy Head Girl in her final year, a role in which she demonstrated remarkable strategic acumen, organizational skills, and a passion for student welfare.
Beyond leadership, her academic prowess was equally remarkable. She represented her school in national and international competitions, securing multiple victories. Among her accolades, her title as National Essay Champion in 2018 stands as a testament to her exceptional intellect, eloquence, and ability to articulate complex ideas with precision and clarity.
The Pursuit of Excellence in Medicine and Global Representation
With a deep-seated passion for healthcare and community service, Fancynatu initially enrolled in the College of Medicine in Sierra Leone, where she undertook a two-year pre-foundation course. However, her insatiable thirst for knowledge and global exposure led her to seize an opportunity to study abroad, earning a coveted Stipendium scholarship to pursue a degree in General Medicine at the University of Pécs, Hungary.
Her time in Hungary has marked not only by academic distinction but also by her unwavering dedication to leadership and student advocacy. She has played a pivotal role in ensuring that Sierra Leonean students find support, guidance, and mentorship as they transition into an entirely new academic and social landscape.
Commitment to Student Welfare and Leadership in Hungary
Her tenure in Hungary has seen her rise through the ranks of student governance. Before assuming the position of Vice President of SLSUH, she served as Deputy Organizing Secretary in 2023, actively shaping the union’s strategic initiatives and strengthening its operational frameworks. This trajectory underscores her unwavering commitment to fostering unity, amplifying student voices, and championing causes that uplift the Sierra Leonean student community in Hungary.
Parallel to her contributions to SLSUH, she is also an integral part of the English-German Student Council at the University of Pécs, where she serves as an English Communication Contact. In this capacity, she acts as a liaison between students, faculty, and university administrators, ensuring that the concerns of international students heard, addressed, and adequately represented at institutional levels.
Her role as a bridge between students and the university administration is instrumental in advocating for student rights, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities for academic and social development. Through her relentless efforts, she has cemented herself as a trusted voice of the student body, tirelessly working to enhance student experiences and forge a powerful sense of belonging within the university community.
A Champion of Cultural Identity and Student Empowerment
Beyond her official duties, Fancynatu is deeply enthusiastic about preserving and promoting Sierra Leonean culture on an international platform. She is actively involved in cultural diplomacy, mentorship, and student empowerment, ensuring that her fellow Sierra Leonean students in Hungary not only excel academically but also embrace their cultural roots with pride.
She has been at the forefront of creating platforms for Sierra Leonean students, facilitating events that celebrate the rich heritage, traditions, and values of Sierra Leone. She strongly believes in the power of unity and collective growth, ensuring that students in Hungary find strength in their shared identity and experiences.
Her vision is clear: to foster an environment where Sierra Leonean students are not merely visitors in a foreign land but ambassadors of their country, standing tall in academic, professional, and social spheres.
A Visionary Leader, A Legacy in the Making
As she continues to blaze a trail of excellence, Fancynatu Isha Kamara remains unwavering in her mission to redefine student leadership, advocate for educational opportunities, and uplift the Sierra Leonean student community in Hungary. Her biography is not merely a chronicle of accomplishments but a testament to resilience, brilliance, and an unyielding commitment to service.
Her tenure as Vice President of the Sierra Leone Students’ Union in Hungary (2024–2025) is bound to be an era of transformation, inclusivity, and unparalleled growth. Her legacy will undoubtedly echo through the halls of student governance, inspiring future generations to lead with courage, integrity, and purpose.

FIRST BATCH (2022) VS SECOND BATCH (2023) AT 16:30 CET LIVE FROM BIKÁS PARK, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.