231Data, Partners Launch Free Computer Training Program in Liberia

PAYNESVILLE, Joe Bar- A Liberian IT company 231Data has launched a month-long free digital transformation training for people ages 11- 35 in Paynesville. This initiative is part of the Liberia Digital Transformation Project. It is sponsored by the government of Liberia through the Telecommunications Authority.

Speaking to a team of reporters at the Christian Bible Faith Mission School, where the first phase is ongoing, the chief executive officer of the IT company, Niahson Porte said the program is a pilot project to gather data, crucial for devising a comprehensive, long-term digital skills education in Liberia.

"Our objective is to narrow the digital divide in Liberia by providing a significant segment of the population, particularly women and youth, with fundamental digital skills," said Mr. Porte. "This initiative targets individuals aged 11 to 35, encompassing youth, women, and PEMPEM drivers, recognizing their need for basic digital proficiency," he added.

The training comprises two-hour sessions per day for two weeks, each accommodating 15 trainees, utilizing Microsoft training modules, previously adopted in the UK, Ghana, and Nigeria among other countries. Covering six modules on introductory computer topics, the program aims to empower participants with basic computer skills within one month. The goal is to train 60 individuals, enhancing their digital capabilities during this period and eventually scale to reach 10,000 individuals across the country over the next two years. 

Mr. Porte expressed thanks to Minister Worlea Dunah of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Madam Edwina Crump Zackpah, Chairperson of the LTA, and Mr. Abdullah Kamara, the CEO of Tamma Corporation for their respective roles and collaboration with 231Data in laying the groundwork for an overall digital transformation strategy.  Mr. Porte expressed intentions to expand partnerships with other institutions, legislators, local authorities, and international organizations to bolster the nationwide digital transformation drive.

Looking ahead, Mr. Porte expressed aspirations to secure funding to provide computers and broaden the training scope. He stressed the importance of local involvement, urging county officials to facilitate training spaces, thereby initiating digital education centers across the country.

Mr. Porte foresees continued training for users with little or no digital skills to more advanced users, fostering a continuous cycle of digital skill development. He underscored the correlation between a digitally skilled populace and economic advancement, citing the potential for Liberia to achieve the same success that other countries achieved during their respective digital transformation journeys.