SLEEK Project Strengthens Entrepreneurial Education Through International Training in Austria and Spain*

From September 22 to October 2, 2025, the Sierra Leone Entrepreneurship and Education for Knowledge (SLEEK) Project successfully completed a series of Training of Trainers (ToT) workshops, study visits, and its second management meeting across Graz, Austria, and Alicante, Spain.

The events brought together academic and technical partners from Sierra Leone, Austria, and Spain to advance entrepreneurial education, promote social impact, and enhance sustainable skills development in higher education institutions.

Participating institutions included the Universitat d'Alacant (University of Alicante) in Spain, FH JOANNEUM in Austria, IPAM University of Sierra Leone, the University of Makeni, Milton Margai Technical University, and the University of Management and Technology and Innovation SL.

In Graz, Austria, the first ToT workshop featured sessions on design thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, innovative teaching methods, and the use of case studies in classroom learning. Participants also visited Science Park Graz, where they interacted with startups, innovation experts, and entrepreneurship mentors.

The team later embarked on study visits to Zotter Schokoladenfabrik, Vulkanland Regional Development, and the Weltmaschine innovation experience, gaining insight into creative business models and regional innovation ecosystems.

The second ToT session and the management meeting were held in Alicante, Spain, focusing on competency-based learning, social innovation, inter-university collaboration, and lifelong learning. The management discussions reviewed project progress, toolkit development, and quality assurance measures aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial education framework.

The SLEEK Project continues to support universities in Sierra Leone in developing entrepreneurial pedagogy and practical skills, empowering students and communities to drive sustainable innovation and inclusive economic growth.eptember 22 to October 2, 2025, the Sierra Leone Entrepreneurship and Education for Knowledge (SLEEK) Project successfully