UNICEF and the Government of Sierra Leone have certified the inaugural cohort of Digital Champions following a ceremony held on March 12, 2026, in Freetown. The initiative recognized students from various schools and districts who successfully completed an intensive four-day boot camp focused on digital skills and innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation, Jasper Semble, described the event as more than just a celebration of individual achievement, framing it as a powerful acknowledgment of what can be accomplished through collaborative effort, strong partnerships, and meaningful engagement to build an inclusive and brighter future. He emphasized that this first cohort of Digital Champions has made a significant contribution, not only for themselves but for the nation, noting that Sierra Leone is working tirelessly to place young people at the very center of its national digital transformation agenda. He applauded the leadership and commitment of the Ministry of Communication Technology and Innovation, whose partnership has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for young people to learn, innovate, and thrive, adding that the creativity, resilience, and determination displayed by Sierra Leone’s youth to solve challenges within their communities served as a profound source of inspiration. In his closing remarks, he congratulated the new Digital Champions, reminding them that their certificates are a testament to their commitment, curiosity, and willingness to lead, and urged them to return to their schools and communities not just as holders of knowledge, but as active agents of change, encouraging them to inspire their peers, create opportunities for others, and help make digital learning accessible to even more young people.
The Minister of Communication Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, delivered an impassioned statement, expressing the government’s deep appreciation for UNICEF’s exemplary leadership and collaborative approach in the development, design, and delivery of the initiative. She explained that the drive to impart digital knowledge to the youth is a direct response to the reality that society now operates within a digital technology system, affirming that the government’s manifesto commitments can be achieved with the help and strategic use of technology. Minister Bah called on the newly certified champions to not rest on their laurels but to actively coordinate and work within their communities to spread their knowledge.
A highlight of the ceremony was a presentation by Digital Champion representative, Samaiya Igba, who outlined the strategic roadmap for 2026 to 2029, explaining that the plan is centred on the advancement of children’s rights and encompasses several key pillars including advocating for and expanding partnerships for child well-being, engaging families and communities on social norms, and strengthening the delivery systems of basic social services and access to essential supplies.
The event culminated in the formal presentation of certificates to the new Digital Champions, and the ceremony was further enriched by heartfelt testimonials from several participants who spoke passionately about the transformative impact of the four-day training. Many shared that while they possessed some digital literacy, they previously lacked the self-confidence and innovative ideas to fully explore the digital landscape, a gap the boot camp successfully helped them bridge.
