By: Saidu Jalloh
The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Conard Sackey, has met with Muniru Kawa, Country Lead of CGA Technologies, and Hannah Graham, the Managing Director from the same firm. CGA Technologies, renowned for providing scalable and sustainable technology systems, is committed to helping nations achieve their development objectives.
The primary focus of the meeting was on CGA Technologies’ parent organization, Corus, and its support for a new education initiative in Sierra Leone. Hannah Graham elaborated on the initiative’s design and strategy, which aims to improve educational outcomes in the country.
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to Corus’s fundraising efforts to ensure the initiative’s long-term sustainability. Effective fundraising is essential for the continuous support and growth of the educational programs being planned.
Another crucial topic was the use of government data to monitor children’s attendance and retention rates. The initiative needs formal approval from the Ministry to access and utilize this data, highlighting the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
The discussion also included a potential $100 million grant proposal to the McCarthy Foundation. This grant would aim to expand the initiative throughout Sierra Leone, providing comprehensive support to vulnerable children and addressing various barriers to education.
Hannah Graham stressed the importance of coordination with the government and public outreach efforts. Enhancing public understanding and support for the initiatives is vital for their success. Strategic communication plans will be developed to engage stakeholders and the general public effectively.
The meeting also underscored the initiative’s focus on supporting vulnerable children and children with disabilities. The plan is to leverage technology to target “more vulnerable learners,” ensuring they receive quality education.
One suggestion discussed was providing incentives for “vulnerable and marginalized children” to support their education. These incentives aim to encourage participation and retention in educational programs.
The grant proposal to the McCarthy Foundation includes plans for cash support and wraparound services. These services will address various barriers to education for vulnerable children, including financial difficulties, protection concerns, health issues, and sexual reproductive health needs. The goal is to connect these children to existing services and support systems.
With a well-designed initiative, robust fundraising efforts, and strategic government coordination, this collaboration has the potential to make a lasting impact on the education sector and the lives of vulnerable children in Sierra Leone for years to come.
