By Mary Kabay
In an engagement with the Press on the 17th February 2021 it was revealed by an organization known as Measure for Impact (MFI) that it will be launching an initiative for better data collection and system in Sierra Leone on the 24th February, 2021 at Shangri La at Aberdeen in the West End of Freetown.
The MFI ,it was stated, is centered on monitoring and evaluating Government institutions as well as Non-Governmental Organizations with the aim of ensuring that they create a reliable data system in the country.
During the engagement it was further disclosed that it is factual that developing nations, like Sierra Leone, are indeed struggling to make available credible and timely data which can be easily accessed neither have they succeeded in ensuring that data remain at the center of socio-economic development decisions and planning.
It was also stated that during that event, which will be held on the 24th February, 2021 data users and donors will discuss data procedures, data sources/generators, data availability and access.
Mustapha Kanu, the Chief Executive Evaluator of Measure for Impact intimated that they are also placing focus on how they can increase data availability and access at a time when data has proven no less important.
He also said they want to create a way of gapping the data status of the country as Sierra Leone out of 187 countries is ranked 128 and for West Africa 10 which is 41% in a bid to help mirror the United Nations 17 Sustainable Goals saying in 2030 data is needed for effective and efficient work.
Mustapha Kanu also disclosed that the MFI will be launching a 5 year strategic plan for donors like UNFPA and others that need data for their work and even the Government especially the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies that need accurate data.
He said as innovators and evaluators their struggle is more evident as most monitors and evaluators are foreigners and Universities in the country are not offering such courses so it is high time for consideration to be given on offering such courses.
Timeliness, he underscored, has also been a key issue to them stating how they are ready to empower the youth on data collection and the use of other technologies that will help them get their job done accurately and transparently.
The Chief Executive Evaluator of Measure for Impact said they are ready to engage the media on data collection and processing as well as how they can technically transform data to important information stating that data are stories and the people that love telling stories are journalists.
“So we are ready to work with the media in order for their information to cut across the country,” he informed.
He pointed out that the MFI is asking Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations and other sectors to be the actors and must be ready to work with them for quality and transparency.
Mustapha Kanu said because of the COVID-19 restrictions few people will be invited but the link below can connect anyone on zoom where he or she can connect, learn, make contributions and ask relevant questions. www.MFI Salone .org.
