By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has intensified preparations for the 2026 Mock Population and Housing Census by engaging communities in Pujehun District through a comprehensive stakeholder sensitization and community entry exercise, culminating in the official swearing-in of census workers ahead of a three-day household listing exercise.
The engagement, led by the Southern Region Census Team under the supervision of the Officer-in-Charge, District Census Officer (DCO), and Regional Publicity Officers (RPOs), was held at the Gobaru Court Barray. The event brought together key stakeholders to enhance public awareness, promote community ownership, and encourage active participation in the census process.
Participants included the Regent Chief, section and community chiefs, councillors, Mammy Queens, youth leaders, religious leaders, and other respected community elders, all of whom play vital roles in mobilizing public support for national development initiatives.
During the engagement, census officials formally introduced field personnel to community leaders and explained the objectives of the 2026 Mock Census and the significance of the household listing exercise.
Officials noted that the Mock Census is a critical preparatory exercise designed to test census methodologies, evaluate digital data collection systems, assess operational readiness, and identify potential challenges ahead of the nationwide 2026 Population and Housing Census.
Community members were encouraged to cooperate fully with enumerators and supervisors by providing accurate and complete information during the household listing exercise. The engagement also provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions, seek clarification, and raise concerns about the census process.
The community entry exercise covered ten communities in Pujehun District:
Nyakahun
Bayama
Kpangba
Bowulo
Gobaru
Borborbu
Walima
Wombay
Bengisia
Dabala
Speaking on behalf of the participating communities, local leaders commended Statistics Sierra Leone for engaging them before the commencement of field activities. They pledged to support the exercise by mobilizing residents, encouraging the provision of accurate information, and ensuring a peaceful and conducive environment for census personnel.
As part of the programme, enumerators and supervisors were officially sworn in and administered the Oath of Secrecy, reaffirming their commitment to carrying out their duties with honesty, professionalism, impartiality, and confidentiality.
By taking the oath, the census workers pledged to safeguard respondents’ personal information and adhere to the ethical standards and legal requirements governing census operations.
The successful stakeholder engagement and swearing-in ceremony further strengthened the partnership between Statistics Sierra Leone and local authorities while enhancing public confidence in the integrity and credibility of the national census process.
Following the community entry exercise, enumerators and supervisors commenced the three-day household listing exercise across the selected communities. The activity marks another important milestone in Sierra Leone’s preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The 2026 Mock Census is a nationwide simulation exercise intended to test census procedures, digital data collection tools, logistics systems, and field operations to ensure the successful conduct of a credible, accurate, and efficient national census.