The Foundation commenced the second phase distribution of digital kits to schools on Thursday, with Bishop Crowther and Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood primary schools receiving the first donations of laptop computers, raspberry Pi devices, bluetooth speakers, projectors, screens, headset extension cables, power banks, and other advanced tools designed to enhance digital learning experience for the beneficiaries and to prepare them for the future.
In a short ceremony held at the Bishop Crowther Memorial Primary School, head teacher Fatmata A. Fofanah expressed heartfelt appreciation to Orange Foundation and Orange Sierra Leone for selecting her school as one of the beneficiaries of the program. She said the donation was timely, and would contribute to enhancing the digital and technological learning experience for the pupils, while promising that the kits would be securely stored within the school and utilized for the purpose of facilitating easy learning for the pupils.
Speaking at the event, Orange Sierra Leone CEO Sekou Amadou Bah emphasized the transformative potential of digital learning in under-resourced schools. He said many children across Africa and the Middle East lack access to digital education. That is why the Foundation thought of providing these digital kits to serve as electronic libraries that provide educational content to schools without internet access. He further said that this initiative is being rolled out in 16 countries, supporting 1,400 schools and benefiting over 500,000 pupils, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Pupils in these schools will now use tablets to access educational content selected by their teachers, with the ability to project lessons onto screens. Bah expressed his excitement about the eagerness of both pupils and teachers to engage with the digital tools, particularly the tablets.
CEO Bah congratulated the schools selected for the project and urged the beneficiaries to handle the digital equipment with care, ensuring its longevity. He assured the schools of ongoing support from Orange SL, promising regular evaluations and assistance in addressing any challenges. He concluded by stressing the power of technology to revolutionize education, noting that it goes beyond equipment, providing new, more accessible ways to learn.
On his part, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, lauded Orange Sierra Leone for its unwavering commitment to supporting President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for national development.
“Thank you to Orange for this initiative. They are one of the largest and most impactful companies in the country. This support aligns with the President’s vision and benefits the entire country, particularly our community, Kanikay,” said Minister Bah.
A proud alumnus of Bishop Crowther Memorial Primary School, Minister Bah reflected on the pivotal role the school played in shaping his life. He inspired the pupils to aim for greatness, emphasizing the importance of education in a rapidly digitizing world.
“Enhancing the digital and technological learning experience for young pupils is crucial, especially as the world becomes increasingly digital,” he remarked. He praised the efforts of the school authorities at both Bishop Crowther and SLMB Primary Schools, commending them for their hard work and dedication.
Minister Bah urged the pupils to take their studies seriously, reminding them that “learning is more valuable than silver and gold.” He also encouraged school authorities to ensure the proper use of the digital school kits, emphasizing that the pupils are the true beneficiaries of the donation.
In his vote of thanks, the Head Teacher of Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood Primary School, Sallieu Sheriff, expressed gratitude to Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for the generous donation. He assured everyone that the digital school kits would be used for their intended purpose, benefiting the pupils.
The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the digital school kits. Orange Sierra Leone CEO Sekou Amadou Bah presented the kits to the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, who then passed them on to the school authorities, marking a significant step towards enhancing digital learning in the schools.
