Episode 40 - Relocating to Salone In this segment of the "Y Square POD + Friends" series, Walid Joseph (Restaurant Owner) and Ajara Marie (Social Entrepreneur) join Yasmin and Yasmine to discuss tips and tricks for moving/relocating to Salone and navigating everyday life while sharing their individual stories as to what brought them back to Sweet Salone.  Check out this new episode for more insight on what it means to move or relocate to Sierra Leone. Disclaimer: The conversations in the Y Square POD + Friends segments are in English, Krio, and sometimes Kringlish. Enjoy!  Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ysquarepod © Y Square POD

In this segment of "A Conversation with",  Y Square POD had the pleasure to talk to our nation's Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (BSSSE) -- Dr. David Moinina Sengeh! Minister Sengeh is also the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). In this episode, Minister Sengeh discusses with Y Square POD the strides his team since the enactment of the Free Education policy as well as his on going projects as a member of Government and his personal life as a rapper and fashion life. As a youth himself, Minister Sengeh highlights the challenges faced by young people and shares his vision for Sierra Leone. Check out this episode to know more!

From #EndSARS in Nigeria to sexual violence surges in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Zambia, the duo discuss a handful of some of the various social issues occurring concurrently across the continent. This episode laments on Africa’s time to demand change amidst being haunted by a colonial and imperial past while proposing possible solutions for the present and future. Listen for more and please share your thoughts 🌍 Interesting fact: Sierra Leone is home to the second drone corridor in all of Africa. Salone proverb: Wata nor dae jomp ol #AfricaIsTheFuture

In this episode, the duo learn more about the health infrastructure from doctor and author Bintu Mansaray! Bintu is a consulting Health doctor at Rainbo Initiative - the only center in Sierra Leone that offers probono psychosocial support and medical treatment to victims and survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). Bintu tells Y Square POD about the challenges faced in the health system in Sierra Leone while highlighting some solutions and she shares with us her new found project -- her book; Amie and the Safe Keepers Project: Defeating the Coronavirus! Looking to contribute to children's literacy in Sierra Leone? Find out more in this episode! This episode is proudly sponsored by Clifftech Pro. 

Happy October! In this episode, the Y Square POD duo talks about “WHAT A YEAR” 2020 has been. From reflections to lessons learned, Yasmin and Yasmine discuss the moments of opportunities for growth and gratitude the year has presented them and they suggest tips to ending the year strong. Enjoy this episode! What has the year 2020 taught you?  Interesting Fact: Travelers coming to and leaving Sierra Leone must pay $80 for a COVID-19 test. Salone Proverb: Waetin briz don blo, e don blo This episode is proudly sponsored by Clifftech  © Y Square POD

In the second segment of the "Y Square POD + Friends" series, Yasmin and Yasmine invite their friends Ernest Henry (Content Creator and Producer) and Aminata Kamara (Marketer and formerly at National Tourism Board) to give their take on the past, present and future outlook and perspective on tourism in Salone. Domestic tourism is relatively a new phrase and reality amidst Uncle Coro (COVID-19) but especially for Sierra Leoneans. Check out this new episode for more about what Sierra Leone has to hold for Sierra Leoneans and visitors alike. Disclaimer: The conversations in the Y Square POD + Friends segments are in English, Krio and sometimes Kringlish. Enjoy! This episode is proudly sponsored by Mercury International.  

In this episode, Mabel Ironn Sky a painter and business consultant joins us! Salone is a beautiful country where we believe should be an artist’s playground. Though that may be true, artistry does come with its constraints — from economic to social acceptance which happens not just in Salone. Mabel shares her perspective on how to empower artists and amplify their voices in this not to miss episode. 😉  This episode is sponsored by Mercury International © Y Square POD

In this episode, the duo thought it fit to bring on a survivor to speak on the approaches to combating the embedded rape culture in Sierra Leone. Our special guest has served Sierra Leone as a Gender Advisor and she is recently an entrepreneur and author.  Eager to know who our guest is? You have to listen to the episode to find out and to learn more about her pragmatic approach and perspective to make Sierra Leone safer for women and girls :) Interesting Fact: Despite Sierra Leone being historically predominantly Muslim, though very secular nowadays. Sierra Leone has only had one Muslim head of state (the late Ahmad Tejan Kabbah), all of our heads of states have been Christian. Salone Proverb: No yu sef norto cos

Episode 32: A Conversation with Martin Michael. Behind The Man The duo was delighted to interview a fellow #SaloneTwitter member. Martin Michael is a lawyer and CEO of Mercury International.  Martin discusses with Y Square POD the instrumental role the digital age has played in business, public life, and how it has shaped our cultural dynamic. He also talks about transitioning from his professional career in law to business and entrepreneurship and stresses the importance of leaving a legacy. Listen to learn more about Martin’s incredible journey. This episode is sponsored by Mercury International *© Y Square POD*

In the new segment "Y Square & friends", the duo invite their friends to discuss on a hot topic. Dating Culture in Salone features Endimiyon Johnson and Mohamed Shour. In this episode, the duo along with their guests discuss the dating scene for young people primarily in Freetown, as well as tips and woes. Of course, it wouldn't be dating if ENTANGLEMENTS were not involved. Hook up culture in context to Sierra Leone is discussed as well as "underground".