Meet the Catalysts
Ranked among Guinea’s top 10 high school graduates in 2017, Besmor earned a scholarship to study computer engineering in Morocco—then chose to return home. In 2023, he co-founded the Conakry Academy of Software and Technology (CAST) to train youth in computer science and entrepreneurship. Today, while pursuing his Master’s at Queen Mary University of London, he continues mentoring the next generation, driven by his vision to empower Guinean youth to solve their own challenges.Read more about Besmor’s story his leadership and visionary approach.
Jeremiah Reeves is an exemplary Catalyst from the pilot cohort, known for his determination, potential leadership, and core value of compassion. He is driven by a passion for creating a sense of safety, comfort, and belonging for others. Jeremiah grew up in the poor Lansanayah Barrage neighborhood in Guinea Conakry and frequently had to drop out of school because his aunt struggled financially. To pay for his education, he sold candy in traffic and worked long hours standing in a local barbershop, enduring pain from a broken right foot. Jeremiah later prioritized his future with CAST and was a core member of the Bus Project. Read more about Jeremiah’s inspirational journey and determination.
After losing her father and nearly dropping out due to financial struggles, Hassatu Balde’s life changed when she received an FCRS scholarship in grade 11. Despite facing early marriage and traditional expectations, she pursued her passion for technology with her husband’s support. Starting as a complete beginner, Hassatu mastered coding and design through CAST programs and the Sostibl Impact Innovation Hub, learning to create sustainable, community-focused solutions. She designed the SMS Web App to help schools communicate with parents in low-connectivity areas. Today, Hassatu is a tech designer and role model, proving young African women can lead technology-driven change despite significant obstacles.. Read more about Hassatu’s story and how she is creating a path for many African women.
Mansare was a dedicated teacher and mentor to our CAST students and other catalysts, providing them with ongoing critiques and professional exercises that empowered them to think and act like true professionals. His impact is visible in tangible projects developed by CAST students who applied his foundational design principles to the SMS Box project.
Mansare’s passing at young age has instilled a profound sense of urgency to accelerate social and economic progress in Guinea. We share this tribute to honor his memory and continue his mission of transforming community challenges into impactful innovations, reminding us all that acting immediately is vital when lives and futures are at stake.Read more about Mansare’s story and the urgency to honor his legacy