SLTTC-The “Digital Futures” project

Project Overview:

The “Digital Futures” project is designed as a one-year initiative focused on empowering youths, government institutions, university dropout, disability, high school, rural communities, private institution, entrepreneur and NGOs in Sierra Leone through technology training and cyber security awareness. The goal is to enhance digital literacy and equip participants with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The project will be implemented across key locations: Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and rural communities, ensuring that both urban and rural populations benefit from technology training.

Areas of Operation:

1. Freetown:

As the capital, Freetown will serve as the main operational base for the project. A central training hub will be established to conduct foundational courses in digital literacy, cyber security, and software development.
Key activities will include:

Setting up a tech hub with essential equipment and resources.
Offering training sessions for youth and local organizations.
Engaging government institutions with tailored tech solutions.

2. Bo:

In Bo, the focus will be on providing technology training to youth and small businesses. The aim is to help local entrepreneurs and young people leverage technology for business development and innovation.
Activities will include:

Hosting workshops on entrepreneurship and tech tools for local businesses.
Offering cyber security awareness training for youth and NGOs in the region.

3. Kenema:

Kenema will primarily focus on rural and community-based tech training. Programs will be designed for local farmers, small businesses, and NGOs in need of digital skills for development.

Key activities will include:

Conducting mobile training sessions in rural areas.
Offering digital literacy programs to help the community engage with technology.
Teaching young people how to use technology for agricultural development and local businesses.

4. Makeni:

Makeni will be a key site for digital entrepreneurship training. The project will help young people start tech-based businesses and offer digital marketing and e commerce training to local entrepreneurs.

Activities will include:

Workshops focused on digital marketing and e-commerce strategies.
Training youth to develop their own digital solutions to address local challenges.
Providing mentorship for aspiring tech entrepreneurs.

5. Rural Communities:

The project will extend to rural communities through mobile training units and online platforms. This will enable youth and adults in remote areas to gain access to technology training.

Activities will include:

Establishing mobile units for on-the-ground training in hard-to-reach areas.
Utilizing online learning platforms to deliver courses to remote areas.
Partnering with local schools and community centers to host training sessions.

6.

Target Audience:

a) Youth (Ages 15-35): Focused on equipping young people with digital skills to enhance their employability or entrepreneurial prospects.
b) NGOs and Government Institutions: Training organizations to integrate technology into their operations, improving efficiency and service delivery.
c) Small Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses: Helping small businesses in the areas of digital marketing, e-commerce, and process optimization.

Training Programs and Curriculum:

a) Digital Literacy: Introduction to digital tools, social media, and basic computer skills.
b) Cyber security: Providing awareness and practical skills to secure personal and business data.
c) Software Development: Teaching basic coding and app development skills to youth interested in programming.
d) Digital Entrepreneurship: Courses on using technology to create business solutions, including e-commerce and digital marketing strategies.
e) Tech for Community Development: Focused on rural areas, teaching how technology can improve agricultural practices, education, and local business operations.

Implementation Timeline One (1) Year:

1) Months 1-3: (January-February-March)

Establishment of the Freetown training hub and the initial launch of online learning platforms.
Begin the recruitment and training of local staff and instructors.
Initial outreach and program promotion in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and rural areas.
Launch digital literacy and cyber security programs.

2) Months 4-6: (April-May-June)

Conduct in-person training in Bo, Kenema, and Makeni, focusing on digital entrepreneurship and business-related tech tools.
Begin mobile training units in rural communities, providing hands-on sessions.
Roll out advanced cyber security and software development workshops in Freetown.
Strengthen partnerships with local businesses and government agencies for further collaboration.

3) Months 7-9: (July-August-September)

Continue mobile training efforts in rural areas.
Offer specialized courses for NGOs and government staff on e-governance and digital solutions.
Host a series of hackathons or innovation challenges to encourage youth-led tech solutions.
Organize networking events and mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs.

4) Months 10-12: (October–November–December)

Final evaluations and assessments of training impact.
Continue the delivery of advanced courses in Freetown and other urban centers.
Compile a report on the project’s outcomes and recommend next steps for continued tech training in Sierra Leone.
Prepare for the transition of the training hubs into sustainable community centers, potentially seeking additional funding for long-term sustainability.

Sustainability Plan:

a) Partnerships: Collaborate with local tech companies, international organizations, and government agencies to ensure the continued impact and future funding for tech training in Sierra Leone.
b) Community Engagement: Encourage local community involvement to maintain and run the training hubs after the project’s conclusion, with local trainers and mentors continuing programs.
c) Revenue Generation: Introduce certification programs and premium courses for advanced skills, which will provide an ongoing revenue stream for the Center.