By Foday Moriba Conteh

Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has strengthened its role as a national leader in promoting digital learning through the donation of state-of-the-art Digital School Kits to Modern Elementary Primary School on Jomo Kenyatta Road and St. Joseph’s Primary School on Howe Street in Freetown. The presentation ceremony held on 11th November 2025 and led by the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, marked another significant milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing drive to expand access to quality digital education and bridge the digital divide affecting pupils across the country.

The initiative reflects Orange Foundation’s broader objective of empowering young learners in underserved communities with the tools and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. Speaking during the ceremony, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Sekou Amadou Bah, described the donation as a moment of inspiration, hope and opportunity, stating that it opens doors to new forms of learning and creativity that many pupils have never had access to before.

Sekou Amadou Bah highlighted that millions of children across Africa and the Middle East remain excluded from digital learning due to limited access to technology and internet connectivity. The Digital School Kit programme, he explained, was designed specifically to address that gap by providing offline electronic libraries loaded with curriculum-aligned learning content. These devices do not require internet access, he said, making them especially suitable for schools in remote or resource-constrained areas.

According to him, globally, the programme operates in 16 countries, supporting more than 1,400 schools and over 500,000 pupils, with most beneficiaries residing in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Sierra Leone alone, the Orange Foundation has donated 39 sets of Digital School Kits over the last three years, benefitting more than 30,000 pupils across six districts. Sekou Amadou Bah emphasized that the latest donations to St. Joseph’s and Modern Elementary deepen the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age.

Describing the kits as “gateways to knowledge and future possibilities,” the CEO noted that the tools will help pupils explore new subjects, inspire curiosity and connect them to learning experiences beyond the limits of their classrooms. He further applauded the teachers, stating that technology can amplify their instructional efforts, enrich lessons and spark creativity among learners. Addressing the pupils directly, Sekou Amadou Bah encouraged them to remain curious, bold and ambitious, reminding them that they are the future innovators and leaders of Sierra Leone.

He also thanked Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for his partnership and for nominating St. Joseph’s and Modern Elementary Primary School as one of the beneficiaries, recognizing his leadership in advancing education, digital inclusion and youth empowerment across the nation. The CEO concluded by reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening technology-driven transformation in the country, saying that the collective goal is to build a future where every child has access to knowledge and communities are empowered through education.

Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, also delivered a statement emphasizing the Government’s commitment to digital learning as a means of transforming educational outcomes nationwide. He described the Digital School Kits as “portable portals to knowledge,” adding that each kit is equipped with electronic devices, offline learning applications, curriculum-aligned content and diverse educational materials designed for schools with limited internet access.

The Minister stressed that for education to serve as a true equalizer, it must be inclusive, high-quality and accessible to learners irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds or geographic location. He expressed confidence that the initiative would help cultivate a generation of technologically savvy and problem-solving learners capable of contributing effectively to Sierra Leone’s future development.

He also commended teachers for their willingness to adopt innovative teaching methods and integrate technology into their instructional practices. Conrad Sackey encouraged them to continue using digital tools creatively to enhance learning, support critical thinking and move pupils away from rote memorization toward deeper understanding.

The Education Minster reaffirmed that investments in digital learning remain essential to the country’s broader development agenda and commended Orange Foundation for its strong commitment to social impact and national progress.

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, delivering the keynote address, reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to strengthening digital education under President Julius Maada Bio’s Free Quality Education initiative. He described the donation as a significant milestone for Modern Elementary and St. Joseph’s Primary Schools, highlighting that it reflects the resilience and commitment of the schools’ leadership and staff.

The Vice President stressed that human capital development remains central to the country’s growth and that digital education is a critical component of building strong educational foundations. He revealed that when Orange Sierra Leone invited him to nominate two schools for the digital learning initiative, he chose one public and one private institution. He selected Modern Elementary Primary School because of its remarkable growth, academic performance, and dedication to excellence.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh thanked the Orange Foundation for supporting national efforts to expand digital inclusion and promote innovation in education. He used the opportunity to distribute chocolates to the pupils as an early Christmas gift, drawing cheers and excitement from the children in attendance.

The Vice President concluded his remarks by assuring the schools of continued Government support and pledged to return next year with additional assistance. He commended teachers for their dedication and excellence, emphasizing that the Government would remain a reliable partner in advancing education and digital literacy across Sierra Leone.

The Head Teacher of Modern Elementary Primary School expressed deep appreciation to the Orange Foundation, noting that the Digital School Kits represent more than a technological upgrade. She stated that the donation symbolizes hope, equity and opportunity for children who deserve quality learning resources regardless of their circumstances. She added that the tools would support teachers in delivering more interactive lessons and give pupils access to innovative learning experiences previously beyond their reach.

Similarly, the Head Teacher of St. Joseph’s Primary School praised Orange Foundation and Orange Sierra Leone for what she described as a transformative investment in the future of the pupils. She noted that the kits will significantly enhance teaching and learning, particularly in an environment where access to modern technology has been limited. She also assured that the school will use the digital tools responsibly and incorporate them meaningfully into classroom instruction to maximize their impact.

Overall, the donation ceremony underscored a powerful partnership between Government, corporate institutions and educational stakeholders committed to building a digitally inclusive future for Sierra Leone’s children. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-foundation-donates-digital-school-kits-to-modern-elementary-st-josephs-primary-schools/