Official opening for Sierra Leone Connect project

Sierra Leone Connect, a collaboration between Action Aid and Digital Links, was officially launched in Bo on 7 th June 2004 by the Sierra Leone Minister of Education. The project has so far supplied 360 computers to 10 schools, a teacher training college, health institutions, community access centres and strategic government offices in Bo including the police. In addition, 65 men and women working in these institutions have been trained in computer maintenance and networking.

The next step in the project, due in July 2004, is to provide all the project sites with full Internet access, including e-mail, and using satellite and wireless technology. Eventually the project support centre in Bo will sell ICT related services and run on a financially self-sufficient basis.

The project planning started a year ago and the involvement of Digital Links and Action Aid will last for a further 3-5 years depending on when it becomes sustainable. It will then be managed and run solely by the local people.

Digital Links’ Africa Development Manager, John Townshend believes that this project will benefit the people of Bo on a number of levels, including education.

“IT in education has motivational benefit for students and teachers; it can allow more effective teaching and schools could take advantage of educational materials held at the central support centre. School-leavers that are IT literate will have a significant part to play in Sierra Leone’s developing economy.”

Sierra Leone Connect is likely to impact other areas of life too, such as the provision of healthcare. Records can be organised electronically and hospitals can have access to government websites and the diagnosis of experts from other hospitals. Other benefits include improved general communication which will positively impact the local economy, greater transparency and accountability, the potential for well run social welfare and e-government services.

Source: Digital links