By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Plan International- Sierra Leone has donated a set of high-performance laptops to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in response to a special request from Minister Chernor Bah. The donation is aimed at strengthening the Ministry’s operational and technical capacity in delivering timely, accurate, and accessible public information.
The official handing-over ceremony took place at Plan International’s Country Office- Kingharman Road in Freetown. The laptops, equipped with advanced processing power, expanded storage, and multimedia capabilities, are expected to enhance the ministry’s ability to produce high-quality media content, analyze complex data, and improve public outreach.
Minister Bah, speaking at the event, expressed his deep appreciation on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone. He described the donation as more than just a contribution of equipment, emphasizing its symbolic value in deepening the partnership between the government and Plan International.
“This donation will lead to substantive improvements in our ability to deliver on our mandate—particularly in producing quality media content, processing complex data, and improving public access to critical information,” Minister Bah said. “More importantly, it is a powerful reflection of the friendship and partnership between Plan International and the Government of Sierra Leone.”
He further acknowledged Plan International’s long-standing contributions to national development, particularly in the areas of civic education and youth empowerment. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding the partnership to reach more citizens through digital platforms and educational programs.
Muniratu Issifu, Country Director of Plan International Sierra Leone, also addressed the gathering. She commended the Ministry for its leadership in promoting civic responsibility and public awareness, especially among young people.
“This donation is made in recognition of the Ministry’s outstanding work in delivering quality public information and civic education across the country,” Issifu said. “Plan International remains committed to supporting the ministry’s efforts and to working together to advance our shared mission of inclusion, empowerment, and civic responsibility.”
She highlighted the role of technology in transforming public communication and pledged Plan International’s continued support in helping institutions embrace innovation in their service delivery.
The laptops, customized to support media production and digital communication tasks, are expected to play a key role in modernizing the Ministry’s workflow. They will be distributed across key departments, with the goal of accelerating digital transformation and ensuring effective citizen engagement.
This latest support builds on a strong foundation of collaboration between the Ministry and Plan International Sierra Leone. The partnership has long focused on promoting informed citizenship, inclusive governance, and increased youth participation in democratic processes.
As Sierra Leone continues to prioritize civic education and digital empowerment, this donation marks another significant step toward building a more connected, informed, and engaged population.