AYV News, September 15, 2023
Sierra Leone is embracing a transformative era in education with the soft digital launch of the Learning Passport, a pioneering initiative aimed at revolutionising access to education and advancing human capital development in the country.
The Learning Passport is a free digital platform that provides students with access to the entire school curriculum, including digitised past examination papers, ultimately saving parents across the country an estimated 1.3 million dollars previously used in purchasing these papers.
This groundbreaking initiative, backed by UNICEF, DSTI, and powered by Microsoft, brings Sierra Leone one step closer to achieving quality, equitable and accessible education for all.
Chief Minister, Dr. David Sengeh and Conrad Sackey, the new Minister of Education, share their insights into the potential impact of this innovative platform.
Dr. Sengeh, emphasises: “The Learning Passport is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer for Sierra Leonean students. It provides easy access to the entire curriculum, allowing students to study at their own pace, practice with past exam questions, and significantly improve their chances of success. We are committed to enhancing the quality of education in Sierra Leone.”
Mr. Sackey, the new Minister of Education, adds, “Our goal is to ensure that every student in Sierra Leone, regardless of their location, has access to quality education. The Learning Passport is a critical step in achieving this goal. We are also excited about the platform’s potential to upskill our workforce through its human capital development component.”
Floydaline Davies, who achieved the highest score in the National Primary School Exams shares her experience: “The Learning Passport has been a game-changer. It’s like having a personal tutor right on your tablet. You can study anytime and anywhere”
James Houghton, UNICEF Sierra Leone’s Head of Innovation, expresses his enthusiasm for the project: “The Learning Passport is a testament to the power of technology in education. It not only saves parents money by providing free access to educational materials but also empowers students to take control of their learning journey.”
The Learning Passport offers a comprehensive digital platform for students, providing them with the tools they need to excel academically. Furthermore, it promotes continuous learning and skill development for civil servants and individuals already in the workforce, aligning with Sierra Leone’s commitment to nurturing a skilled and adaptable workforce.
With the soft digital launch of the Learning Passport, Sierra Leone is taking a giant stride towards a brighter and more equitable future, where education knows no boundaries, and the potential of every child and adult is realised.
For more information about the Learning Passport and to access the platform, please visit mbsse-dsti.learningpassport.org
