By Morlai Sesay
The Chief of the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Abdul Malik Tejan-Sie, on Tuesday, 19th March 2024, updated pressmen that DSTI has entered into a partnership with UNICEF Sierra Leone to introduce a wave of digital learning opportunities that are aimed at empowering citizens across almost all major learning institutions in the country. Tejan-Sie updated the reopening of Digital Learning Hubs at Fourah Bay College (FBC), Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), Ernest Bai Koroma University (EBK), and Eastern Technical University (ETU) in Kenema at the weekly press briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Hall Tower Hill, Freetown.
With access to over 900 courses, training, digital tools, workshops, and more, these hubs, according to the Director, aim to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. The initiative is part of an effort to ensure that citizens have the necessary skill sets to compete in the twenty-first-century workforce and the global economy. Most Importantly, he disclosed that these resources are provided free of charge, demonstrating a commitment to democratizing access to digital education and fostering inclusive economic growth.
"The Digital Learning Hubs represent a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering individuals across Sierra Leone to unlock their full potential in an increasingly digital world," he affirmed.
Tejan said the desire of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio gears towards empowering every Sierra Leonean devoid of one political allegiance as much as one is ready to offer service to the country. He said the liberty to create a platform for all well-meaning Sierra Leoneans to thrive is at the heart of President Bio. With the introduction of the above-mentioned hub at the university level, the overwhelming maternal mortality rate is bound to be reduced significantly.
He said DSTI is also determined to put data together to help the Guma Valley Water Company do their work with ease without being on the ground to monitor their customers all the time. On the aspect of weather forecasting, the DSTI is also able to guide the Guma Valley Water Company on the pattern of rainfall every year in the country. With that, they would be guided on rationing water supply in Freetown based on the data that DSTI would update.
Tejan-Sie continued to explain the institution's desire to use technology to bridge the gap for the old people appointed by the president and ensure accountability in all Ministries, departments, and Agencies using technology. The DSTI will also enhance the possibility for people to apply for their national Passport by sitting in their comfort zone without bothering to go to the immigration office to apply for one.
In his parting shot, he disclosed that Sierra Leone would soon upgrade to Web 3, which talks about the civilization of the Internet. With that, Sierra Leoneans will no longer be worried about fiber optics because it would be more accessible and cheaper.
Comments