By Millicent Senava Mannah
FirstBank Sierra Leone has successfully concluded its 2026 Junior Internship Programme (JIP), an initiative aimed at exposing young people to the banking industry while equipping them with practical knowledge and skills for the future.
The two-week programme, held from August 11 to August 21, 2026, brought together 17 pupils between the ages of 9 and 14 from various schools across Freetown.
The initiative provided the young participants with an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to banking operations and understand how different departments contribute to the delivery of financial services.
Throughout the programme, the junior interns interacted with professionals from departments including Customer Service, Retail Banking, Operations, Risk Management, Compliance, Finance, Human Capital Management, and Marketing and Corporate Communications.
They were introduced to key areas of professional and financial development, including customer service, teamwork, workplace ethics, financial management, savings and responsible financial habits.
Speaking at the closing and certificate presentation ceremony, Managing Director of FirstBank Sierra Leone, Mr. Udeme Udoh Edwin, congratulated the 17 junior interns for successfully completing the programme and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and experience gained during their time at the Bank.
Mr. Udoh said the programme was not only about teaching the children how a bank operates, but also about helping them understand the importance of discipline, teamwork, integrity, respect, responsibility, communication and hard work.
He also emphasized the importance of introducing children to financial literacy at an early age, noting that such knowledge can help them develop responsible financial habits, including saving and making informed financial decisions.
According to the Managing Director, FirstBank Sierra Leone considers investment in young people as an investment in the future of Sierra Leone.
“The children sitting before us today are not simply interns completing a holiday programme. They are potential bankers, entrepreneurs, engineers, doctors, journalists, educators, innovators, policymakers and leaders of tomorrow,” Mr. Udoh said.
The two-week programme included interactive learning sessions, departmental rotations, mentorship opportunities and practical activities designed to strengthen participants’ communication, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
The interns also gained a better understanding of the role financial institutions play in national development and the importance of professionalism in the workplace.
Mr. Udoh urged the young participants to remain curious, continue learning and develop themselves, reminding them that their age should not limit their ambitions.
“Continue to ask questions. Continue to learn. Continue to read. Continue to develop yourselves. And most importantly, never be afraid to dream big,” the Managing Director encouraged.»
Also speaking at the ceremony, Edwin S. C. Conteh, Marketing and Corporate Communications Officer of FirstBank Sierra Leone, commended the junior interns for their enthusiasm, discipline and willingness to learn throughout the programme.
Conteh said the initiative provided the children with meaningful exposure to a professional environment while helping them build confidence and develop a better understanding of the banking industry.
He encouraged the interns to take the lessons learned during the programme into their academic and personal lives, while urging them to remain focused on their education, develop good financial habits and continue nurturing their ambitions.
Also addressing the interns, Bayode O. Olubenga, Head of Compliance at FirstBank Sierra Leone, encouraged them to uphold honesty, integrity and responsibility in their daily lives.
Olubenga explained that learning about compliance was also about understanding the importance of following rules and making ethical decisions. He urged the young participants to develop good values from an early age and carry them into their future careers.
He congratulated the interns for completing the programme and encouraged them to remain disciplined, curious and committed to their education.
Evanstina MK Sama, who spoke on behalf of the junior interns, expressed appreciation to FirstBank Sierra Leone for giving them the opportunity to participate in the programme.
Sama thanked the Bank’s management and staff for their warm reception, guidance and willingness to share their knowledge with the young participants throughout the two-week experience.
She said the programme had given the interns a better understanding of banking while teaching them important lessons about professionalism, teamwork, discipline and financial responsibility.
«“We are grateful for this opportunity and for everything we have learned. We will carry these lessons with us and continue to work hard to achieve our dreams,” Sama said.»
On behalf of her colleagues, she also thanked the parents and guardians for their support and the Bank’s staff members who took time from their various responsibilities to mentor and teach them.
Parents and guardians also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a meaningful opportunity for their children to gain practical knowledge and experience in a professional environment.
The participants expressed excitement about the programme, with many highlighting the knowledge, confidence and exposure they gained during their time at FirstBank Sierra Leone.
The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, where the 17 junior interns were recognized for their participation, dedication and enthusiasm throughout the two-week experience.
Mr. Udoh thanked the parents and guardians for entrusting their children to the Bank, as well as the staff members and facilitators who supported the programme.
FirstBank Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that promote youth development, financial literacy, education and community engagement, as part of its broader efforts to contribute to the empowerment of young people and the development of Sierra Leone.
The Bank said it hopes the Junior Internship Programme will continue to inspire young people to f2
pursue their ambitions and contribute positively to society.
