UNICEF Sierra Leone — Central Medical Stores Compound, New England, Freetown – August 2025
In a strategic move to strengthen data quality and enhance national statistical capacity, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) have jointly conducted a comprehensive ten-day Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) Pretest and Training of Trainers (ToT) program. This initiative is a critical preparatory step ahead of the nationwide rollout of the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-7).
Held from 4–13 August 2025, the training brought together 32 staff members from Stats SL’s Demographic Health & Social Statistics and Data Science Divisions. The participants received intensive training on digital data collection tools, standardized interview protocols, and the full suite of MICS-7 questionnaires—covering a broad range of indicators including child health and nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, early childhood development, and domestic violence.
Key Objectives of the Training:
- Enhance participants’ capacity to effectively use modern CAPI technology for accurate and efficient data collection.
- Pretest the CAPI system in real-world settings to assess functionality, usability, and cultural appropriateness, identify potential challenges, and refine the survey tools.
- Develop a cadre of master trainers who will subsequently train field staff across the country in preparation for the full-scale national survey.
- Ensure consistency and quality in data collection processes, aligning with international MICS standards and protocols.
MICS, developed and supported by UNICEF globally, is a leading household survey program designed to generate internationally comparable and statistically robust data on the health and well-being of women and children. The insights generated will guide national policymaking, donor investments, and targeted development programs aimed at improving the lives of Sierra Leonean children and families.
The successful completion of the CAPI Pretest and ToT workshop marks a significant milestone in the MICS-7 preparation process. UNICEF and Stats SL remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring robust, reliable, and contextually relevant data collection.
The joint effort reflects Sierra Leone’s dedication to leveraging technology and evidence-based planning to drive sustainable development and improve outcomes for children nationwide.
Credit: Stats SL Comms & PR Unit
