Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with UNICEF, has successfully concluded a 28-day intensive training programme for enumerators in preparation for the Seventh Round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7) on 26 November 2025.
Delivering the opening remarks at the closing ceremony held at the EJ Hall, Fourah Bay College, Samuel Ansumana, Director of Communications and Public Relations at Stats SL, commended the facilitators, consultants, and trainees for their dedication throughout the month-long exercise.
SL MICS 2025 National and Training Coordinator, Miriam Jalloh, expressed appreciation to UNICEF and the consultants, describing the training as a “bittersweet journey.” She noted that the four-week session had equipped participants with valuable knowledge and practical skills. Mrs. Jalloh praised the trainees for their commitment and encouraged those placed on the waiting list not to lose hope, reminding them that the knowledge they gained remains useful.
UNICEF consultant Ramesh Ghimire highlighted the strong performance of the trainees, both in mastering and explaining the modules. He emphasized the hands-on approach of the programme and applauded the active participation of the group. Ghimire also reminded the selected participants that this marks only the beginning, as they will return for further review sessions.
Mona Korsgaard, Chief of Social Protection at UNICEF, expressed her satisfaction at witnessing both the opening and closing of the training programme. She acknowledged its rigorous nature and reassured those not selected that the skills acquired would benefit them in future field activities. She commended all facilitators, trainees, and partners including UN Women for their hard work. Korsgaard underscored the pivotal role of enumerators as they transition into field operations, stressing that accurate household data collection is essential for tracking progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Delivering the keynote address, Statistician General and Chief Census Officer, Andrew Bob Johnny, thanked the facilitators, support staff, and trainees for their dedication and sacrifice. He congratulated those who passed the training, reminding them that the real task lies ahead in the field. He praised the group for performing well above the pass mark, indicating a strong understanding of the material. He also encouraged those not selected to remain hopeful, assuring them that the knowledge they gained remains invaluable. Mr. Johnny reaffirmed Stats SL’s commitment to building the capacity of all individuals involved in national data-collection efforts, describing the institution as a family.
During the closing session, trainee Elizabeth M. Kanneh expressed gratitude to the lecturers, particularly for the mental-health module, which she described as an eye-opener. She emphasized the importance of female enumerators administering the women’s questionnaire to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for open conversation.
Another trainee, Alhaji Alimamy Sultan Turay, reflected on the significance of the programme, noting that he had acquired new skills such as water-quality testing, anthropometric measurement, and other technical competencies.
A total of 156 trainees were selected for deployment in the MICS7 exercise and commenced field activities on Wednesday, 26th November 2025. An additional 26 candidates were placed on the waiting list. All enumerators were urged to give their best service to the nation, adhere to established protocols, and ensure the collection of accurate and reliable data.