Bright Light Projects Graduates New Cohort Under Digital Futures Sierra Leone Program: Makeni, Sierra Leone | June 23, 2026
Bright Light Projects Sierra Leone (BLPSL), in partnership with Youth Action for Sustainable Development Sierra Leone (YAD-SL), has successfully graduated 15 participants from its April–May 2026 Free Basic Computer Skills Training Program, reaffirming its commitment to expanding digital literacy and closing the digital skills gap among young people in Northern Sierra Leone.
The Certificate Presentation Ceremony, held at the Bright Light Projects office in Makeni, celebrated participants who successfully completed one month of practical computer training under Digital Futures Sierra Leone (DFSL), BLP’s flagship digital inclusion initiative designed to equip students, teachers, job seekers, and underserved communities with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in today’s digital world.
The April–May cohort enrolled 20 participants, with 17 successfully completing the training and 15 meeting all graduation requirements to receive certificates. The graduating class comprised 4 women and 11 men.
The program provided participants with hands-on training in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, internet and email applications, and other essential digital literacy skills that enhance educational achievement, employment prospects, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
This latest cohort builds upon the success of BLP’s first Free Basic Computer Skills Training Program held in Kamabai, Bombali District, in 2025, where 88 participants received introductory digital skills training. Together, these initiatives reflect Bright Light Projects’ growing investment in expanding digital opportunities across Sierra Leone.
Speaking during the ceremony, Samuel Alpha Thoronka, Country Coordinator for Bright Light Projects Sierra Leone, highlighted the urgent need to bridge the digital divide affecting many students and teachers across the country.
“Digital literacy has become an essential life skill. Many students and teachers still lack access to practical ICT training, limiting their educational and employment opportunities. Through Digital Futures Sierra Leone, Bright Light Projects is committed to closing this gap by providing free, community-based digital skills training that empowers young people to participate confidently in today’s digital economy.”
One of the graduates, Kaba Mansaray, a student at Ernest Bai Koroma University, described the training as a transformative experience.
“This training has been a game changer for me. The skills I have gained will greatly support my academic work, especially as I complete my university thesis. I now feel much more confident using computers for research, writing, and presentations.”
Representing the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Bombali District, Mr. Alex Koroma, Deputy Assistant Director, commended the initiative and emphasized the growing importance of digital education in Sierra Leone.
“Digital skills are no longer optional; they are the gateway to the future. Whether in education, employment, or innovation, technology is transforming every sector. Initiatives such as Digital Futures Sierra Leone are helping prepare our young people with the competencies needed to succeed in the modern world.”
Through Digital Futures Sierra Leone, Bright Light Projects continues to support Sierra Leone’s efforts to expand digital literacy while contributing to the implementation of the National Digital Learning Strategy (2025–2030). The organization plans to expand future training cohorts and strengthen partnerships to reach more underserved communities across the country.
About Bright Light Projects
Bright Light Projects (BLP) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 that works to empower vulnerable communities through education, skills development, women’s and youth empowerment, digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community resilience programs. Operating in Sierra Leone and Cameroon, BLP develops practical, community-led solutions that improve lives and create sustainable opportunities for underserved populations.
About Digital Futures Sierra Leone (DFSL)
Digital Futures Sierra Leone (DFSL) is Bright Light Projects’ flagship digital inclusion initiative in Sierra Leone. The program provides free computer training, promotes digital literacy, encourages innovation, and creates pathways to education, employment, and entrepreneurship for students, teachers, and young people from underserved communities.
Media Contact:
Samuel Alpha Thoronka
Country Coordinator
Bright Light Projects Sierra Leone (BLPSL)
📍 49 Rogbaneh Road, Makeni, Sierra Leone
📧 sthoronka@brightlightprojects.org / info@brightlightprojects.org
📞 +232 78 662442
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
