Enrico, an Italian ST employee since 1993, is a Fab Logistic Manager. Beyond his primary role, as a volunteer, he oversees our labs and active training under the Digital Unify Program in Sierra Leone. The numbers are impressive: he has supported the creation of 53 labs—thanks to ST’s refurbished laptops and equipment—where over 650,000 students have been trained since 2009. In a country with 41% of literacy rate*, this is truly a success story!
Over the years, he has also strengthened partnerships with other NGOs, boosting our program in the country.
Following his recent visit to Sierra Leone in early May, we asked him some questions to learn more about this activity and the country.
Enrico, what was the main reason for this trip to Sierra Leone?
I visit this country almost every year to meet the staff, review project reports, and ensure financial accountability. This visit highlighted the growing international collaboration in Sierra Leone’s education sector, reaffirming how global and local partners are working together to expand digital learning opportunities. The warmth and resilience of the people I met left a profound impact on me, reminding me of the shared humanity that drives our mission.
What kind of partnership are you talking about? Can you offer us an example?
With support from UNICEF and other national partners, Sierra Leone is fostering a “new wave of innovators” through open-source digital tools and technology in education. During my visit, I attended meetings at UNICEF’s Freetown office to align our strategies and explore new collaborations like the “Learning Passport” digital platform. We discussed how our labs can support the country’s Education Sector Plan. UNICEF believes in the power of partnerships among NGOs, government, and donors, and we fully support this vision. The collaborative spirit and shared goals I witnessed were truly inspiring.
Enrico at the Train-the-Trainer course
You had also the chance to experiment with a train-the-trainer activity, how was it?
I attended a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop at Cisco Networking Academy and HP Life Platforms, organized by ITU and implemented by us at the Foundation. This hands-on program brought together local educators and community leaders to enhance their skills in teaching Cisco and HP Life programs. Participants engaged in lectures, practical demonstrations, and group discussions. I felt the energy and dedication of the trainers, which reassured me of the belief that empowering local instructors is essential to multiplying the impact of digital education not only here in Sierra Leone but everywhere. This is one of the uniqueness of our Foundation I am very proud of.
What can you tell us about your (many) visits to the Labs?
We have two labs located at the Murialdo Institute of Management and Technology, in the capital. Here, I had the chance to talk to the trainers and meet the Principal, Rev. Father Lebbie, to discuss new partnership opportunities and his dream of moving the Institute to a University level. At the Wilberforce Community School and St. Benedict Junior Secondary School, I discussed the digital curricula with the respective principals. I also met the director of the Family Homes Movement, a local NGO active in education, noting how its youth programs complement our Foundation’s work. The dedication of these educators and leaders to their communities is a testament to the power of human connection and shared purpose.
Sierra Leone is a complex country facing many challenges, such as a lack of connectivity, good roads, and numerous remote villages with even more remote schools. What are the trajectories for future developments?
Building a sustainable ecosystem of local innovators is key to Sierra Leone’s long-term development. The partners I met reaffirmed their commitment to expanding digital skills training and aligning resources with national education goals. I have great hopes that the collaboration among ST Foundation, UNICEF, and local engagement will give Sierra Leone’s children greater access to technology and digital learning opportunities. The humanity and determination I encountered during my visit were incredibly moving, and I am optimistic about the future. Let’s keep up the good work we are doing together.
*CIA World factbook 2023