Monrovia – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has conducted a three-day workshop in Gbarnga City, Bong County on reusable ICT building blocks designed to establish a common digital service delivery platform that aligns with the Smart Village concept as part of the SDGs.

The workshop is the sixth in a series organized by the UNDP to raise awareness about the Human Security Project and to solicit context-based solutions from stakeholders to address the human security needs of their respective communities, with particular emphasis on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Human Security project was designed to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities and individuals by giving them a more sustainable and dignified livelihood.

Held from June 19-21, 2024, the workshop brought together over 50 participants from various regions, including Yeala, Zorzor, and Salayea in Lofa County; Zuluyee and Gbanquoi in Nimba County; and Totota and Botota in Bong County. Among the attendees were commissioners, city mayors, youth and women leaders, and leaders representing people with special needs.

In her opening remarks at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner of Panta District Darkeh Paye, emphasized the critical need for enhanced collaboration among local authorities in the targeted project communities, adding that fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared responsibility among local stakeholders is vital for the project’s success.

“Local authorities working together can leverage collective expertise and resources to identify pressing issues and develop tailored strategies to meet the diverse challenges faced by communities effectively,” Commissioner Paye noted.

She said such a cooperative approach encourages the pooling of knowledge, skills, and resources, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents and ensuring that the initiatives are not only relevant and impactful but also sustainable in the long term.

Robert Dorliae, UNDP Human Security Project Manager, urged beneficiaries to harness the value of creativity and the need to develop local solutions tailored to local challenges as part of efforts to leverage ICT building blocks for a unified service delivery platform within project catchment communities.

Dorliae explained that the Smart Village is not merely defined by its digital connectivity but also encompasses essential infrastructure and services, including access to clean water, decent housing, efficient waste disposal mechanisms, reliable electricity, and an overall improved standard of living.

He further encouraged them to integrate principles into the project that will ensure that the benefits of development are shared equitably among all members of the community.

“This holistic approach ensures that technological advancements go hand-in-hand with enhancing the quality of life in these communities,” he added.

Moreover, Dorliae emphasized the importance of mainstreaming gender issues and human rights as fundamental components in the journey towards creating a more equal and inclusive society.

“Addressing these critical areas, the initiative aims to foster an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender or background, can thrive and contribute to developing their communities,” he stated.

Also making remarks, the Executive Director of Capacity for Youth, a prominent local NGO in Liberia, underscored the significant role of the Human Security Forum and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the ongoing project.

Daniel Folly emphasized that the Human Security Forum is a pivotal platform for advocating and raising awareness about various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), designed to serve not only as a watchdog for communities but also as a crucial bridge connecting local stakeholders with potential investors.

Mr. Folly elaborated on the dual function of the forum and CSOs, noting that they act as advocates, ensuring that the voices and concerns of the communities are heard and addressed in line with the SDGs.

“As watchdogs, we monitor the implementation of SDG-related initiatives and scrutinize the progress and impact of these projects to ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness and help maintain high standards and push for continued improvement,” he intimated.

Mr. Folly also mentioned that awareness campaigns and educational programs, help inform and empower community members about their rights and the resources available to them, to foster a more informed and proactive populace.

He sees the forum as a networking platform for local stakeholders and investors, facilitating dialogue and collaboration and helping to attract and secure investment for community projects.

He wants community leaders, government officials, and international partners to support and engage with the Human Security Forum, stressing that such collaboration is essential for creating a robust and responsive system that can effectively address local challenges and promote sustainable, inclusive development.

In an overview of the project, the Focal Point at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Ministry Czars M. Palay stressed continued support by local stakeholders urging them to remain committed to the project’s success and called on newly appointed government officials to align themselves with these efforts.

Mr. Palay also encouraged communities reaping the benefits of the training to initiate and undertake innovative projects aimed at improving the quality of life for their citizens and serving as change agents.

MONROVIA – President Boakai has launched Liberia’s Digital Transformation Project, targeting 10,000 youths nationwide. This initiative fulfills his commitment made during his first state of the nation address in January. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Information Communication Technology (ICT) to create jobs for Liberian youths. The goal is to empower 10,000 young people with digital skills within the first half of 2024.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

President Boakai expressed his excitement about leading Liberia’s digital transformation, stating that adapting to the digital age is crucial for the country’s progress. He highlighted ICT as a key player in Liberia’s development, supporting various sectors and driving the nation’s development agenda.

“Digital transformation is crucial in unlocking Nigeria’s full potential. In our department, ICT is the backbone that supports various sectors of development, making it a key player in our development agenda. It is evident in our pillars, highlighting its significance in our development initiatives,” he said.

The project aims to position Liberia as a leader in the global digital economy, with a target of engaging 30,000 individuals in this transformation. President Boakai stressed that failure to embrace digital change risks hindering Liberia’s global progress.

He emphasized the benefits of digital innovation for Liberia, including participation in the global digital economy, improved access to education, and inclusive growth opportunities. The President also announced plans to make computer literacy a compulsory subject in high school curriculums to equip youth with essential digital skills.

The project’s steering committee includes key stakeholders from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, and Ministry of Youth and Sports. The collaboration aims to accelerate digital infrastructure development and establish a digital government framework, engaging various sectors for economic enhancement and job creation.

The launch of the project, held at the EJ Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, brought together government officials, civil society agencies, international partners, telecommunications companies, the House of Representatives, and students from across the country.

Rep. Ivar K. Jones, Chairman of the House Committee on Telecommunications expressed the Legislature’s support to President Boakai and his administration in their digital transformation drive.

Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports said the program is a strategic step towards improving performance, efficiency, transparency, and accountability, especially in public service.

“This intentional disruption is changing the way businesses operate, approach the market, and deliver economic growth and development. We are grateful for your vision and leadership, which will give young people access to the tools they need to accelerate sustainable development in this era of disruptive technology,” he said.

Sekou M. Kromah, Post & Telecommunications Minister said digital transformation has become imperative in developing countries, as it helps improve efficiency and customer experience.

According to him, the lack of digital infrastructure is a common challenge in developing countries, but the government has made digitization a priority to help the country reach  its full potential, adding that the launch of this initiative, with less than 10,000 digital growth, is a significant step towards digitalization.

Earlier, given the overview of the project, Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) Acting Chairperson Abdullah L. Kamara said the key objectives of the project are to design and implement digital awareness, skills training and empowerment programs for Liberians to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

Kamara said the three key objectives of the project are to promote the use of technology, facilitate tech-education and empower tech entrepreneurs.

Kamara stated that digital transformation encompasses the comprehensive integration of digital technologies into all aspects of an organization or society, fundamentally changing how they operate and deliver value.

“For developing countries like Liberia, digital transformation offers a multitude of opportunities to leapfrog transitional development barriers and accelerate progress,” he noted.

Paris, France – Two Liberian educators, Assistant Education Minister for Teachers Education Advertus Wright and the Head of the UNESCO Liberia Office, Steveson Seidi, have presented progress Liberia has made in the UNESCO-China Funds-in-Trust(CFIT) project which is intended to enhance the ICT proficiency of Teachers in selected countries.

The forum which took place  from the 19th to the 20th of April-2016, was intended to review progress made thus far, innovative strategies and challenges faced in the implementation of the project by the beneficiary countries.

Under the theme: Harnessing Technology for Quality Teachers Training, Minister Wright and Mr. Seidi said priorities have been placed in areas of capacity development for improved quality education, meeting the needs of teachers in line with the project demands and developing manuals for the program.

They disclosed that the Liberian country team has produced a Liberian ICT Competency Framework for Teachers, the ICT Equipment and Facility User Policy and the ICT Pedagogy Training Modules for Teacher Educators. These are useful documents in accelerating teachers ICT proficiency and education.

Assistant Minister Wright and Mr. Seidi said in addition to the documents and in an effort to harness technology and access for quality of learning at Teachers Training Institutions, they have developed an ICT Education Policy, and an ICT in Education Master Plan for Liberia’s Teachers Training Institutions.

They disclosed that the Liberian Team has plans to expand its activities to include Teachers College at the William Tubman University in Maryland County, a pilot project testing in select schools, set up additional labs at Teachers Training Institutions to accommodate increasing number of teachers and other refresher training programs.

Three Liberian institutions in ICT programs, the Starz College of Technology, the Stella Maris Polytechnic and LEAD have been added to the list of institutions to help accelerate ICT training for Liberian Teachers under the project.

The UNESCO-China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT) project was launched in 2012. The project has a budget of Eight Million Dollars donated by the Chinese Government for four years. The project countries are: Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Namibia, Congo, DR Congo, Liberia, Tanzania and Uganda.

The CFIT project is one of the initiatives of UNESCO to accelerate progress toward the attainment of improving the quality of education for teachers’ training in ICT. It intends to assist teachers with the competency of using ICT to improve the quality of teaching and learning.