To Bridge Educational Gaps
…Higher Education Ministry Launches Skills Training Platform
BY ABDULAZIZ SAMURA
Improving access to learning opportunities and dressing educational gaps for students’ across the country, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has launched a groundbreaking digital skills platform at the Fourah Bay College Multi-Purpose Hall, Mount Aureol in Freetown.
The new platform, which allows students to register and apply for various courses from anywhere, was officially unveiled during an orientation ceremony held on Monday November 18th, 2024.
The initiative is a significant step towards modernizing education and skills development in Sierra Leone. It provides an accessible digital solution that enables learners to acquire valuable skills that will enhance their employability in an increasingly digital world.
Two experts from the National Skills Development Council in India during their presentations, highlighted the platform’s features, emphasizing how it equips students with skills that are directly relevant to the job market.
The experts noted that the platform is designed to prepare students for employment quickly, by offering the courses that are aligned with industry needs, stressing that the importance of digital literacy in today’s job market, pointing out that the platform is a powerful tool for bridging the gap between education and employability.
Speaking on behalf of the Indian High Commissioner, Neeraj Kumar Saini shared details of scholarship opportunities available to Sierra Leonean students wishing to pursue further studies in India. He praised the partnership between India and Sierra Leone and reiterated his country’s commitment to transforming skills development in the country.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, delivered the keynote address, where she emphasized the transformative potential of the digital skills training platform. “Through this partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and the National Skills Development Council of India, this digital ecosystem will bridge the gap between education, employability, and innovation,” she said.
Minister Wurie also noted that the platform aligns with the government of Sierra Leone’s Big Five Changers initiative, which aims to modernize various sectors and promote sustainable development. She highlighted that the platform would contribute to curricular modernization, capacity building and stronger partnerships with employers, ultimately equipping young people with the relevant skills needed to thrive in the workforce.
In his statement, Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Bangura, encouraged students to embrace the digital world and make full use of the online learning platforms. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, urging students to equip themselves with the skills necessary to create their own employment opportunities. “You don’t have to be connected to get employment,” he said. “All you need is the right skills.”
The launch of this digital training platform marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to modernize education and skills development, empowering young people with the tools they need to succeed in the global workforce. The government and its partners remain committed to ensuring that this initiative is accessible, effective and aligned with the needs of both students and employers in the country.