Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) is exploring locally developed offline digital learning solutions as part of efforts to expand access to quality education in communities with limited electricity and internet connectivity.
The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, on Tuesday met with the Easy STEM team at his office, where the group presented an offline-first digital learning system designed to support both in-school and out-of-school learners.
The Easy STEM team, made up of graduates of Fourah Bay College (FBC), demonstrated an integrated learning package consisting of tablets, portable servers, rechargeable battery packs and offline content platforms. The system allows teachers and pupils to access educational materials without reliance on constant internet or electricity supply.
According to the developers, the solution is already being deployed in five districts across the country, providing access to curriculum-aligned learning content in subjects including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), agriculture, basic computing and language learning.
Officials at the meeting highlighted the project’s emphasis on locally driven engineering and practical problem-solving tailored to the realities faced by many schools, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
Discussions also focused on the sustainability and scalability of the initiative, as well as possible partnership models with development partners such as UNICEF and other stakeholders. The ministry said the innovation aligns with national education priorities under the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) programme.
The team’s transition from a university-based project at Fourah Bay College to a solution with national relevance was cited as an example of the potential impact of youth-led innovation when adequately supported.
In a statement, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education called on development partners, the private sector and other institutions to support the initiative to enable its expansion to more schools and communities nationwide.
The ministry said strengthening partnerships and supporting innovation would be critical to accelerating inclusive and equitable access to quality education across Sierra Leone.
By Lamin Brima
