By Ibrahim Sesay
Orange Foundation has reinforced its commitment to advancing digital inclusion and improving the quality of education in Sierra Leone with the donation of Digital School Kits to pupils of Regent Square Primary School and Regent Square Municipal Primary School in Freetown.
The presentation ceremony, held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, brought together education stakeholders, pupils and representatives of Orange Sierra Leone, marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in the country’s education sector.
The donated kits comprise laptops, iPads and tablets, headphones, speakers, Wi-Fi devices, routers, digital cameras and modems, all designed to facilitate access to digital learning and enhance classroom instruction.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aicha Toure, underscored that the Digital School Kits initiative is aimed at addressing the lack of access to digital tools and internet connectivity among millions of children across Africa. She noted that the programme has already been implemented in 16 African countries, reaching approximately 1,400 schools and benefiting over 500,000 pupils.
“In Sierra Leone, the Orange Foundation has proudly donated 44 sets of Digital School Kits over the past year, benefiting more than 30,000 pupils in six districts nationwide,” she disclosed.
Aicha Toure described the kits as more than just technological devices, emphasizing their transformative potential in shaping the future of young learners. She encouraged pupils to take full advantage of the resources to expand their knowledge and explore new opportunities.
“These Digital School Kits are more than devices; they are gateways to knowledge, imagination and the future,” she stated, adding that the tools will also support teachers in delivering more engaging and interactive lessons.
During an interactive session with pupils, the Director of Orange Foundation, Annie Wonnie Katta, engaged the children on their career aspirations, with many expressing ambitions of becoming nurses, lawyers and doctors. She highlighted the importance of integrating digital literacy with traditional education to prepare pupils for future demands.
“We understand that in the future, digital skills will be very important for children moving into tomorrow. That is why we are here today to donate digital school equipment that will give you the opportunity to explore, think, build and be successful,” she said.
Madam Annie Wonnie Katta further encouraged pupils to see the equipment as tools for building their futures, urging teachers to incorporate the kits into daily teaching methods to enhance learning outcomes. She also reminded the children that success is not defined by their background but by access to opportunities and dedication to education.
Delivering his remarks, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, reflected on his personal connection to Regent Square Municipal Primary School, describing himself as a proud former pupil.
“Right here on this very school ground, a small boy once sat wide-eyed, uncertain and full of questions. Today, that same small boy stands before you as a man,” he said, recounting his journey from humble beginnings to national leadership.
The Minister emphasized the transformative power of education, noting that access to learning opportunities remains key to personal and national development.
“Education transforms lives and because it transforms lives opportunity must be shared,” he stated.
He described the Digital School Kits as modern tools that will equip pupils with essential digital skills required in today’s world and urged them to remain focused on their studies while aspiring to become future leaders, professionals and innovators.
Conrad Sackey also commended the Orange Foundation for its continued investment in education and its role in promoting digital inclusion across Sierra Leone.
In her remarks, the Headmistress of Regent Square Municipal Primary School, Madam Fatmata Keister Kamara, expressed appreciation to the Orange Foundation for the timely intervention. She assured that the donated equipment would be effectively utilized to support teaching and learning within the school.
The donation forms part of the Orange Foundation’s broader mission to expand access to digital education and ensure that children across Sierra Leone are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
