By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Orange Foundation Sierra
Leone and ActionAid Sierra Leone have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to collaborate on a digital skills training programme aimed at empowering
persons with disabilities through technology and digital inclusion.
The partnership seeks to
equip 150 persons with disabilities with practical digital skills that will
enhance their access to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic
opportunities while promoting greater participation in Sierra Leone's digital
economy.
The agreement was signed
during a ceremony attended by Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Aicha
Toure, Orange Foundation Director Annie Wonnie-Katta, and ActionAid Sierra
Leone Country Director Foday-Bassie Swaray.
Representatives from the
Ministry of Social Welfare, the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues
(SLUDI), and other stakeholders also participated in the event, reaffirming
their shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and ensuring that
persons with disabilities are not left behind in the country's digital
transformation.
Under the partnership,
participants will receive practical digital skills training designed to improve
their employability, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen their ability to
participate in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Officials said the
initiative reflects a broader commitment to using digital innovation as a tool
for social inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
The programme also aims to
reduce barriers faced by persons with disabilities by expanding access to
digital knowledge and opportunities, enabling them to participate more fully in
education, employment, and business activities.
Orange Foundation Sierra
Leone and ActionAid Sierra Leone said the collaboration demonstrates the
importance of partnerships between the private sector, civil society, and
government institutions in creating inclusive digital ecosystems that promote
equal opportunities for all citizens.
The initiative aligns with
ongoing efforts to strengthen digital inclusion in Sierra Leone by ensuring
that technological advancement benefits all segments of society, particularly
vulnerable and underserved communities.
