Following their trip to The Gambia in February 2024, Rachel Hamm and Ella Ryan visited the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at Iveagh House for the Self Help Africa Science for Development Showcase.

In addition to presenting their award-winning Banana Bandages project, the showcase gave them an opportunity to share insights from their visit to the West African country during the February midterm break. They also had the chance to connect with other projects from the 2025 BT Young Scientist competition, many of which align with Self Help Africa’s mission to support communities by providing trading and technical assistance—helping households to grow more food, diversify crops, and improve incomes.

During the visit, the students met Dr Tony Scott—founder of the Young Scientist Exhibition—Fergal O’Connor, CEO of Self Help Africa, and several representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.