The Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation (MoCTI), in collaboration with Huawei Sierra Leone and with support from Orange Sierra Leone and UNICEF, has concluded the second edition of the Sierra Leone ICT Training Program, designed to equip young graduates and students with essential digital skills.
The program culminated in a comprehensive web development and digital marketing exam, evaluating participants’ progress. This year, the initiative featured two groups divided into ten teams, supported by 50 trainers and five supervisors. These teams are set to deliver ICT training to 7,000 secondary school students across multiple districts in the Eastern, Northern, and North-Western regions.
In the Eastern region, training covered eight schools in Kailahun District. The Northern region covered 25 schools in Bombali, 20 in Tonkolili, 10 in Koinadugu, and two in Falaba.
Meanwhile, in the North-Western region, the program extended to 25 schools in Port Loko, 10 in Karene, and eight in Kambia.
The training highlighted its alignment with the “Big Five Game Changers,” particularly pillars two and three, which focus on human capital development and youth employment. By equipping students with essential digital skills, the initiative addresses two critical components of His Excellency Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio’s vision to create 500,000 job opportunities for youth while prioritizing investments in human capital development.
This initiative plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide in Sierra Leone, recognizing the indispensable role of technology in today’s world. By equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age, these free training sessions empower young learners to seize opportunities and succeed in an increasingly technological landscape.
Furthermore, the program underscores its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) while promoting inclusivity in the digital era. Orange Sierra Leone and its partners expressed pride in contributing to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation and emphasized their belief in the potential of these young talents to become the driving force of innovation and progress in their communities.
This partnership exemplifies the collaborative effort to leverage technology for education, aiming to drive economic growth and empower Sierra Leone’s youth to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.