In a stride towards enhancing the digital literacy landscape in Sierra Leone, the Aurora Foundation proudly organized two ICT beginner training sessions at its premises in July 2023. Led by the Aurora Impact team in collaboration with Byte Limited. With an eye on equipping the country’s youth with essential digital skills, these trainings aimed to bridge the technological divide and pave the way for a brighter future.
The training sessions were thoughtfully divided into morning and afternoon groups, accommodating the diverse schedules of eager participants. The morning session, commencing on the 10th of July, saw the active engagement of 20 enthusiastic learners, while the afternoon session, starting on the 17th of July, welcomed 18 aspiring minds. Both sessions, each spanning a two-week period, concluded on the 24th and 31st of July, respectively.
The Aurora Foundation’s collaboration with Byte Limited, a prominent Sierra Leonean company, added invaluable expertise to these training sessions. Byte’s profound knowledge and experience in information and communication technology augmented the quality and relevance of the training content, ensuring that participants received the most up-to-date and pertinent knowledge.
The primary objective of these training sessions was to empower the youth with foundational ICT skills. The curriculum encompassed fundamental aspects of computer navigation, equipping participants with the know-how to confidently traverse the digital landscape. In addition, the participants delved into the intricacies of typing and utilizing MS Word, thereby honing skills essential for effective communication in the modern world.
Statistics underline a digital divide in Sierra Leone, with a significant portion of the youth lacking access to essential ICT skills. According to recent data, only a modest percentage of the youth possesses proficient ICT abilities. This underscores the urgency of initiatives such as the Aurora Foundation’s ICT beginner trainings. By imparting these skills, we take a crucial step toward reducing this disparity and ensuring that Sierra Leone’s youth are not left behind in the ever-evolving digital era.
The importance of these training sessions extends far beyond the immediate gains. In a world where digital literacy is becoming increasingly synonymous with opportunities, these foundational skills become essential for employability, entrepreneurship, and overall socio-economic growth. As technology continues to shape industries and economies, the youth of Sierra Leone need to be adequately equipped to contribute meaningfully to their nation’s development.
As these training sessions draw to a close, the Aurora Foundation looks ahead with optimism, envisioning a future where Sierra Leone’s youth stand tall on the foundation of digital proficiency, ready to illuminate the path to progress and innovation.
For more updates and information on the Aurora Foundation’s initiatives, specifically related to the entrepreneurial sector, please visit our socials for our entrepreneurial-focused branch! Aurora Impact on Facebook and Instagram.
