C2C: Bridging the Digital Divide for Sierra Leone’s Youth

At C2C Community Support Group, we are passionate about providing free ICT education to adolescent boys and girls in Sierra Leone. We understand that digital literacy is critical to their future success. Technology is no longer a luxury—it is an essential tool in every sector, and we are committed to equipping children with the necessary skills to thrive in a world where digital competency is key.

However, the reality in Sierra Leone is that many young people, even at the university level, lack basic computer skills. Studies show that 60-70% of university students in the country are unable to operate a computer proficiently. Graduates without knowledge of essential programs like Microsoft Word and Excel often find themselves needing additional training before entering the job market. This issue begins early, and unless addressed, it perpetuates cycles of unemployment and underemployment.

C2C Computer Lab Training: Closing the Gap

Our C2C Community Support Group Computer Lab in Tardi Lungi is working to close this gap by providing free, hands-on ICT education to children in underserved communities. With each session accommodating 14 computers, we offer five sessions per day, training 14 children per session. Currently, 70 children are actively engaged in learning foundational skills such as:

• Introduction to Computers

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Publisher

• Internet Safety (to ensure children use technology responsibly and safely)

Thanks to our supporters, we’ve successfully trained 137 children. However, there is still a high demand, with 192 children on our waiting list, eager to benefit from the program.

What We Need to Continue

While we are making great progress, we need critical resources to continue expanding and improving the program. The following items are essential to keep the program running efficiently and to meet the growing demand:

• Printer Ink – To print course materials and certificates for our students.

• Diesel and Transport – For transportation of volunteers and staff, as well as fuel to operate the generator for power during sessions.

• Food and Health Support for Volunteers – To ensure that our volunteers are supported and motivated to continue giving their time and expertise.

• Additional Computers and Equipment – To accommodate more children and offer them the same quality of training.

How Your Support Will Help

1. $300/month – Provides printer ink to print out course materials and certificates for our students.

2. $500/month – Covers fuel costs for transportation and running the generator to ensure uninterrupted classes.

3. $300/month – Helps support food and health assistance for our volunteers, ensuring they are well-equipped and healthy to continue their work.

4. $700 – Funds the purchase of additional computers and essential equipment, allowing us to expand our training capacity.

Donate Equipment and Support Shipping

If you have access to computers, printers, or other ICT equipment that could support our program, we would be deeply grateful for your donation. We also welcome help with the shipment of these items. If you are in a position to assist with shipping, your support will make a tremendous difference in ensuring that these resources reach the children who need them most.

What Your Contribution Will Achieve

By supporting C2C Computer Skills Training, you are investing directly in the future of Sierra Leone’s youth. Your contribution will help provide children with the skills they need to succeed in school, the workforce, and life. You will be helping to break down barriers of limited access to technology, empowering children to use computers responsibly, improving their academic performance, and opening doors to future career opportunities.

Together, we can close the digital divide, ensuring no child is left behind in this rapidly advancing technological world.

Join Us in Empowering Voices

The need for digital education in Sierra Leone is urgent, and we can’t do it alone. With your support, we can continue our mission to equip children with digital skills, raise awareness about internet safety, and empower a generation to succeed.

Support C2C Computer Lab Training today—help us build a brighter future for every child in Sierra Leone.