By Ibrahim John Sesay
A colorful and inspiring ceremony on Saturday, 18th October 2025, marked the official close of the Tech4Teachers Project at Central University, Mile 91 in Tonkolili District. Held under the theme: “Bridging the Digital Divide Among Secondary Schools in Mile 91,” the event celebrated the success of a transformative digital literacy initiative designed to strengthen teaching capacity across rural Sierra Leone.
The program, which trained forty (40) teachers from various secondary schools in the Yoni/Mile 91 axis, equipped participants with essential technological skills for modern classroom delivery. From 20th to 24th September 2025, teachers underwent intensive hands-on sessions in computer literacy, smartphone proficiency and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in education.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director, Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo, described the project as “a major step towards bridging the digital divide between urban and rural schools,” emphasizing that technology has become a vital tool for effective and inclusive education.
The ceremony attracted key education stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) Tonkolili District, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) Yoni/Mile 91 Branch, Tonkolili District Council, Central University, Concern Worldwide and local media outlets such as Radio Gbafeth and News Journal.
Delivering the keynote address, Lansana Amara, Assistant Director of MBSSE Tonkolili, commended the initiative for complementing Government efforts to enhance teacher development through digital learning. He stated that projects like Tech4Teachers are “vital to improving the teaching profession and ensuring equitable access to quality education across the country.”
Also addressing participants, Sheku Putka Kamara, lecturer at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of continuous professional development, urging teachers to apply their new skills to inspire students and promote innovation in schools.
SLTU Yoni/Mile 91 Chairman, David S. Kamara, praised the participants for their dedication and reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to promoting teacher empowerment through strategic partnerships.
The event climaxed with the presentation of Certificates of Participation to all 40 teachers who successfully completed the training. Participants expressed gratitude to the organizers and pledged to put their newly acquired skills into practice to enhance learning outcomes.
The organizers extended appreciation to Global Change-makers, sponsors of the project, for their unwavering support and to Central University for hosting the training.
With the ceremony coming to an end, the organizers reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining similar programs that advance digital inclusion in education. The Tech4Teachers Project remains a shining example of how collaboration, innovation and dedication can transform Sierra Leone’s educational landscape.
