By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aicha Touré, has engaged
students of Annie Walsh Memorial School as part of a national initiative aimed
at promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM).
The
engagement formed part of the Careers in STEM School Tour, led by the Minister
of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, together with the
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey.
During
the session, Touré shared her professional journey with students, encouraging
young girls to pursue STEM disciplines with confidence and ambition, and
emphasizing the importance of representation in shaping future career
aspirations.
She
noted that exposure to female role models in leadership positions helps to
challenge stereotypes and expand opportunities for girls considering careers in
technology and science.
Orange
Sierra Leone highlighted its ongoing investment in digital skills development
programmes, reporting that its Digital Centres have trained more than 6,000
young people, including over 3,500 women, while dedicated Women’s Digital
Centres have reached more than 2,500 women across the country.
The
company also referenced initiatives such as Girls in ICT Day as part of its
broader strategy to build a pipeline of future female technology leaders and
support inclusive participation in Sierra Leone’s digital economy.
Officials
at the event underscored the importance of partnerships between government,
private sector actors and educational institutions in expanding access to STEM
education and strengthening the country’s long-term human capital development.
