A new Digital Unify Lab at Pademba Road Prison in Freetown – Sierra Leone
Two new Digital Unify Labs have been established at the Pademba Road and Jomo Kenyatta Road correctional facilities in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, in December. The goal is to provide basic computer literacy and digital skills to male and female incarcerated populations, offering them a crucial opportunity to develop new competencies and prepare for life beyond the prison walls.
Courtesy of Don Bosco Fambul
“This initiative aligns with our vision of fostering digital inclusion and ensuring that every member of society has access to the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the modern world,” said Mohamed Mustapha Dumbuya, Director of our operational branch in Sierra Leone.
Undertaking such a unique project was not easy. We collaborated with Don Bosco Fambul, a local NGO active in Sierra Leone, which has a historical relationship with the correctional facilities in the capital. The correctional environment required adherence to strict protocols such as maintaining security measures, ensuring the safety of all participants, and complying with institutional regulations like no cameras or mobile phones allowed during the courses. Despite the challenges, this initiative’s true essence lies in the profound impact it will have on the lives of the incarcerated.
Together, we worked to ensure that the labs were equipped with the necessary resources (11 computers, a projector, and other equipment provided by us through STMicroelectronics) and that the “Introduction to Computer Basics” (ICB) standard training program was tailored to meet the unique needs of the correctional facilities. Don Bosco Fambul is currently selecting one trainer and two tutors per course, who will be trained by us very soon in a 3-day special session. Here they will learn not only technical skills on computers but also how to manage a class, answer questions, maintain the available equipment, and complete the necessary reporting activities at the end of each course.
“Empowerment through technology should know no boundaries,” Mohamed continued. “By extending our digital skills training to correctional facilities, we are not only addressing the digital divide but also providing hope and opportunity to those who need it most.”
The 700+ inmates participating in the program will have access to knowledge and skills that can reshape their futures. With 20 students per class, they will enjoy 20 hours each with our ICB course, providing them with basic information on how to use a computer, including the Microsoft suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), and how to create and use an email account to send/receive emails.
“While we traditionally offer other training such as tailoring, soap and vaseline making, and hairdressing, this is the first time we have opened a digital lab in our female correctional facility,” said Mrs. Augusta Sawyerr-Williams, Director of the Female Correctional Center at Jomo Kenyatta Road Prison. “We truly believe it will be a game-changer for them.”
“For many, this is the first step toward reintegration into society with a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth,” said Mr. Foday Ishmail Sillah, Director at the Male Correctional Center at Pademba Road. “The initiative also reflects a broader societal commitment to rehabilitation and second chances, recognizing that education is a powerful tool for change. We are grateful to Don Bosco and ST Foundation for the commitment and investment in this institution.”
While this is the first initiative of its kind for us, it sets a precedent for future collaborations and underscores the potential of digital education to transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. It is a powerful reminder that the digital divide can be bridged—one individual, one community, and one facility at a time.
ST Foundation and Don Bosco Teams with Directors Mrs. Augusta Sawyerr-Williams and Mr. Foday Ishmail Sillah
Don Bosco Fambul
Don Bosco Fambul (DBF) is a local non-governmental organisation that helps minors and young people who live in situations of high vulnerability in Sierra Leone. We provide comprehensive support, by reuniting youths with their families and empowering them with education and skills training. We also provide education and psychosocial support to those incarcerated at the Pademba correctional facility, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.