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Refurbishing Beamay Nursery primary school.. Orange Sierra Leone Advances Human Capital Development Orange Sierra Leone (Orange SL) has solidified its commitment to human capital development by investing in educational infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and initiatives that promote youth empowerment and employability across the country. Refurbishment of Beamay Nursery and Primary School In a notable move to improve access to quality education, Orange SL partnered with the Sierra Leone Army Wives Cooperative Society to refurbish the Beamay Nursery and Primary School at the Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown. The newly renovated school was officially inaugurated by First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, who lauded the initiative for providing a better learning environment for children of military personnel. This refurbishment highlights Orange SL’s dedication to supporting the educational needs of the armed forces community and fostering a brighter future for the next generation. Inauguration of the Orange Digital Center In February 2023, Orange SL took another significant step in its mission to enhance human capital development by inaugurating the Orange Digital Center (ODC). The center is focused on promoting innovation and empowering youth by improving digital literacy, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting the local digital ecosystem. Since its launch, the ODC has trained over 5,000 young people globally, with 1,809 youths receiving training in Sierra Leone alone. The center plays a crucial role in bridging the digital skills gap and preparing young people for success in the rapidly evolving job market. Expansion of Digital Literacy Initiatives In partnership with the Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, as well as Huawei Sierra Leone, Orange SL has launched a series of digital literacy initiatives aimed at empowering secondary school students. These programs are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance human capital and promote youth employment through its “Big Five Game Changers” agenda. To date, over 3,500 students from 61 secondary schools across Sierra Leone have completed digital skills training, equipping them with essential competencies needed in today’s digital economy. Construction of Early Childhood Development Centers Demonstrating its long-term commitment to education, Orange SL has also focused on early childhood development. In November 2021, the company began the construction of a preschool in Petifu, Junction, Lokomasama Chiefdom, aimed at providing quality education for children in rural areas. This initiative is part of Orange SL’s broader goal to ensure that children from all communities have access to quality early education that sets the foundation for lifelong learning. Through these diverse initiatives, Orange Sierra Leone continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country by advancing human capital development, improving digital literacy, and empowering the next generation with the tools needed to succeed in the global economy.
Ministry of Works and Public Assets Reaffirms Commitment to Protect Government Property
The Ministry of Works and Public Assets (MWPA) in Sierra Leone has once again reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding government property, underscoring the importance of maintaining and efficiently managing public assets for the country’s development. This pledge is aligned with the ministry’s core values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism. By strengthening its focus on protecting government assets, the MWPA aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of public infrastructure and contribute to the broader socio-economic progress of Sierra Leone. In support of this commitment, the ministry has been taking proactive steps to enhance its operational effectiveness. In January 2025, the MWPA hosted a two-day retreat focused on strategic goal-setting, which included discussions on the Individual Performance Appraisal System (IPAS) and the Ministerial Performance Tracking Table (PTT). The retreat served as a platform to align the ministry's objectives with performance targets, fostering a collective vision for growth and development. Additionally, the MWPA has been directly involved in addressing key public infrastructure needs. In October 2024, the Deputy Minister of Works and Public Assets, Mrs. Christiana Queen Fofanah, led a team to visit the villages of Rochen Kamadao and Gbonkolal to resolve issues concerning boundary demarcation between two prominent Chinese companies involved in the extraction of dimension stones. The visit ensured that the operations adhered to legal and environmental standards, protecting both public property and the interests of local communities. These initiatives illustrate the MWPA’s unwavering commitment to not only improving infrastructure but also ensuring the responsible management and protection of government property. Through these efforts, the ministry continues to play a vital role in advancing Sierra Leone’s development while maintaining public trust and accountability.
Local Reporting
Horse Fishing Company Workers Cry for Justice Workers at Horse Fishing Company Limited, located in Jui, eastern Freetown, Sierra Leone, are urgently calling for justice as they face growing challenges within the company’s operations. With rising unemployment rates making alternative job opportunities scarce, the employees have appealed to the government for intervention. The company has been caught in a web of legal disputes, notably due to the actions of former Fisheries Minister Hon. Emma Kowa, who is accused of withholding vessel registrations. This has severely hampered the company's ability to operate effectively, despite its continued commitment to both its workforce and Sierra Leone’s fishing industry. The situation worsened in January 2021 when the Supreme Court ruled that the lease agreements between the Attorney General & Minister of Justice and Horse Fishing Company Limited were void. This decision further obstructed the company’s operations, leading to reduced productivity and financial challenges. As a result, workers are deeply concerned that without swift resolution to these legal issues, the company’s survival may be at risk, which could threaten their livelihoods and destabilize the broader fishing sector. Their plea for justice highlights the escalating challenges within Sierra Leone’s fishing industry, including legal complexities and allegations of human rights violations. The workers are calling for immediate governmental and judicial intervention to ensure that contractual agreements are upheld, labor rights are protected, and the fishing industry can thrive in a fair and competitive environment. The outcome of this case will be pivotal for both the future of Horse Fishing Company and the well-being of the employees who rely on it.
Man Fosters Hosts Meet & Greet Platform Training
Man Fosters recently conducted a highly engaging training session for its Meet & Greet platform, aimed at enhancing the networking skills of professionals and helping them unlock new career opportunities. The session was designed to provide participants with essential tools and strategies to maximize the platform’s features. During the training, attendees were guided on how to optimize their profiles, engage effectively with industry peers, and build meaningful connections. The session also addressed common challenges faced in online networking, offering practical advice on how to foster genuine, professional relationships in a digital environment. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about implementing the strategies they learned to expand their networks and further their careers. The training underscored the growing significance of digital platforms in professional development and reaffirmed Man Fosters’ commitment to supporting continuous learning and growth. The success of this event solidifies Man Fosters' position as an essential resource for professionals looking to navigate the digital landscape and establish valuable connections within their industries.