By John Bio
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference 2024 that brought together a wide array of educational technology stakeholders from 20 African countries, including EdTech Innovators, Tech Hubs, Experts, and Policy-Makers. Minister Conrad Sackey, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, was a prominent speaker at the Ministerial Forum, which took place at the Ballroom, Fraisersuit in Abuja, Nigeria. He shared insights into the strategies implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone to address socio-economic challenges using technology, citing examples such as the Result Checker and the Learning Passport.
Under the theme: “Education Technology for Resilient and Inclusive Learning in Africa,” Minister Conrad Sackey highlighted three significant challenges that have affected Sierra Leone’s educational sector: the Civil War, the Ebola epidemic, and COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the country’s resilience and inclusivity, showcasing the response to these challenges, including the introduction of a free quality school education program initiated by President Julius Maada Bio since 2018.
Minister Conrad Sackey also focused on inclusive education, discussing the National Policy on Radical Inclusion as the foundation of the country’s education system, and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education’s deliberate efforts to support learners with special needs.
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference 2024, held in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria in Abuja, provided a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange and networking. The conference demonstrated the Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to advancing education and skills development through innovative technologies, with a focus on improving access and providing support for youth to leverage technology for acquiring skill sets and quality education in Africa.