In the heart of Monrovia, a revolution is underway. It’s not political or social unrest stirring the airbut an intellectual renaissance, spearheaded by a pioneering initiative known as CSforLiberia.
This ambitious program aims to transform Liberia into a beacon of technology and innovation by nurturing the next generation of Liberian tech engineers and bridging the gap between them and potential employers.
Founded in January 2022 by luminaries of the Monrovia Tech Meetup, CSforLiberia has swiftly become a cornerstone for aspiring computer scientists across the nation. Dr. Emmanuel Dorley, a computer science professor at the University of Florida, and Mr. Israel Z. Kollie, an Engineering Manager at Orange who now serves as the Executive Director, helm this transformative endeavor.
Under their leadership, CSforLiberia has flourished, fostering a community where Liberian youth can ignite their passion for technology and embark on a journey to become leading tech professionals.
The initiative draws inspiration from President Boakai’s vision, expressed in his State of the Union address, of nurturing 10,000 trained ICT professionals. This aligns with CSforLiberia’s goal of cultivating a technically advanced Liberia, where citizens are not just participants but competitive innovators in the future’s industry.
Israel Z. Kollie, reflecting on the impact of CSforLiberia, noted, “As a passionate young Liberian, I believe that CSforLiberia is equipping the Liberian youth with the skillsets needed to champion Liberia’s digital revolution. This revolution is pivotal in reducing waste and enhancing the country’s sustainability efforts.”
CSforLiberia’s flagship programs, the Computer Science Academy and the Monrovia Tech Meetup are at the forefront of this educational crusade. “By employing young men and women through our company scLean Labs, we have worked with some of the future technologists of Liberia. CS For Liberia is pioneering a path forward to transforming Liberia’s workforce,” said Chayanne Tweh, CEO of scLean Labs, inc.
The Academy is a six-month journey of discovery and application, guiding participants from the basics of programming to the development of comprehensive projects aimed at solving local challenges through technology. The program culminates in a showcase where students present solutions to pressing issues in agriculture, healthcare, finance, and more, with the most innovative projects receiving funding and further mentorship opportunities.
Sulaiman Barry, a triumphant participant from the first cohort, shared his experience: “The CS Academy was instrumental in my software development journey. The six-month training program not only honed my programming skills but also exposed me to real-world projects and connected me with endless opportunities.”
Moreover, the Monrovia Tech Meetup serves as a melting pot of ideas and innovation, where industry leaders and tech enthusiasts converge to discuss and deliberate on the latest trends and challenges in the tech world.
CSforLiberia’s impact is evident in its growing popularity among Liberian youth. With over 1,800 applications for just 60 spots in its first two cohorts, the demand for such educational opportunities is clear. Yet, the challenge remains not in the interest but in the resources and space available to accommodate this burgeoning appetite for technology education.
This initiative has trained students in the intricacies of Python programming and API utilization and equipped them with the skills necessary to thrive in the global job market. Through partnerships with organizations like scLean Labs Inc and Orange Digital Center, and with a generous donation from Mr. Pete Warden, author of TinyML, CS for Liberia is expanding its curriculum to include cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence.
As CSforLiberia continues to grow, it remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education in transforming societies. By equipping Liberian youth with the tools and knowledge to excel in the tech industry, CSforLiberia is not just training the next generation of tech professionals; it is laying the foundation for a more sustainable, innovative, and technologically advanced Liberia.
For more information or any questions about the academy and how you can participate in this transformative journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].
