Provide Computer Training at Freetown Computer Lab

Here is a brief history on how far we have come so far - and how this all started.

In 2012, the leadership of Develop Africa and Door of Hope agreed to undertake a joint building project to establish a Center that would be a hub of development activities in the community. Part of the initiative at the Center is to offer at-risk individuals computer and technical skills to open them up to better educational, job and business opportunities.

There is a dire need for this type of training, yet classes are prohibitively expensive and remain out of reach for much of Sierra Leone’s most marginalized citizens. The Computer Lab at the Center will help to bridge this digital divide by providing free training in basic computer skills, office applications and internet usage. Our plans are to set up a modern, fully equipped computer facility that when fully furnished could accommodate up to 42 computers and will benefit over 1,000 children, youths and adults in five years.

Thanks to your help and the the help of our many friends locally in Sierra Leone and world-wide, we have made significant progress. In February, we purchased and shipped supplies and equipment to network the room – including a Cisco switch, cabling, server cabinet, etc. In Early 2014, we got to the finishing stages of construction. We have finished external painting, plumbing, etc. We have also purchased additional furniture for the After-School Lesson Program. In June, we installed cabling and wiring for the computer lab as well as setting up a local area network. Equipment installed includes a Cisco switch. 

In the included photos, you can see electrical personnel connecting the building to the electrical grid.  Connecting the building to the electrical grid is an added step towards preparing the lab for use. The power will serve as our electrical source till we get solar panels installed.

We are so deeply grateful for each and every one of you who have helped us get this far – supporting this and other programs.

For additional, on-going information, please click on this link / see this project.