500 Schools To Get Free Internet Connectivity In Sierra Leone

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Enhance strategic aspirations of country’s Education & Health sectors

By Sylvester Samba

Plans are underway to connect 500 schools and 16 district libraries across Sierra Leone with free high-speed internet in the first phase of a project named; Project One Access & Connectivity For Schools.”

A Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) signed between Sierra Leone Cable Limited, Afcom and Niche Technologies (SL) of which 100 of the 500 schools will have eSchool Management platform. Computer labs and access to online learning materials, and shared resources service-teaching center. 

The commencement of the implementation of “One Access Project” to support the government’s initiative of free quality education program by building a sustainable broadband infrastructure providing high-speed internet connectivity across schools in the country to increase access to digital technologies.  

Addressing Journalists before the signing ceremony in Freetown, the Managing Director of Sierra Leone Cable Limited, Mr. Ishmael M. Kebbay, Jr.; indicated the initiative harnessed towards supporting human capital development and a strategic aspiration of President Julius Maada Bio.  

It will also be used as a platform to mine big data that will enhance the country’s Education and Health sectors in building sustainable communities. The goal, connect 1000 learning institutions and include major public health centers nationwide by 2023, according to Ishmael Kebbay, Jr. Various data; bio-dynamics, cognitive, health records, and related will be warehoused and made available to interface with strategic partners for further economic and social planning, the SALCAB Managing Director noted.  

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The Minister of Basic Education, Alpha Osman Timbo was in attendance said his ministry is in full support of the initiative adding that it is a step in the right direction under the 'New Direction' administration. Every school going child must have access to the facilities. His ministry, he promised will ensure the implementation of the project and proper monitoring.  

The benefits of technology are advances in opportunities. Incorporating technology into traditional learning equip students with digital literacy, skills, and knowledge that today’s youth will need to lead the future workforce. The Chairman of SALCAB, Sorie Fofana, commented.

Mr. Mahmoud Idriss of Niche Technologies (SL) and Adel Suliman of Afcom (SL) who are partnering with SALCAB on this project also made meaningful contributions.

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Theo Edwards

Theo Edwards has over twenty years of diverse Information Technology experience. He spent his days playing with all things IBMi, portal, mobile application, and enterprise business functional and architectural design.

Before joining IBM as Staff Software Engineer, Theo worked as a programmer analyst and application specialist for businesses hosting eCommerce suite on IBMi platform. He has been privileged to co-author numerous publications such as Technical Handbooks, White paper, Tutorials, Users Guides, and FAQs. Refer to manuals here. Theo also holds a degree in Computer Science, Business Administration and various certifications in information security and technologies. He considers himself a technophile since his engagement at Cable & Wireless then later known SLET.