In his welcome remarks, Ing Francis Lahai thanked the participants for attending the event. He informed them that SLIE is the principally recognised association for engineers in Sierra Leone and the workshop is a means for them to help the Institution understand how best it could serve their interests and contribute meaningfully to the development of the country. SLIE’s function is evolving, and this process will help create a direction that everyone involved will be proud to associate with when it has been finalised. The SLIE President, Ing Trudy Morgan in her introduction, informed the participants that, “SLIE is here today to listen to you, and take notes of your important submissions. The things you will say are going to help the Institution formulate strategies that will be effective and proactive in seeking your interests and promoting sustainable development.” She explained the Institution’s current and unfolding trajectory, including initiatives such as the Innovation Hub at Fourah Bay College, the ongoing CPD rollout, the SLWE led Saturday Club amongst others.

The workshop had two breakout sessions, each challenging the participants to identify the setbacks of the engineering profession in the region, their issues with the Institution, success stories and the respective solutions they envisioned for the Institution’s progress. The participants expressed gratitude for the initiative, citing, “it’s the very first time the Institution had reached out to us in this part of the country.” They advocated for the continuation of such an exercise and its expansion to educational institutions and companies – as it would help increase the visibility of the Institution. Before the event, many of them have heard little or nothing about the Institution and its work. However, they now felt confident about joining the institution in due course. Ing Trudy Morgan concluded the event by extending appreciation to everyone involved in the successful holding of the workshop. She mentioned that the Institution will continue to facilitate further engagement with them through such programs and other means. She revealed that in the coming weeks, they will undertake similar workshops in Bo, Freetown, and Kenema. SLIE would use the outcome of all to develop strategies and action plans that will guarantee its sustainable operations, expand its membership and diversify the Institution’s performance.