In a nation grappling with economic challenges, the journey from graduation to employment can be daunting for many young people. Fatmata Turay, a recent graduate of Limkokwing University, experienced this firsthand in Sierra Leone, one of the world’s least-developed countries.
However, her fortunes changed dramatically when she participated in the ITC project known as READY Salone, which introduced her to the vast possibilities of marketing her skills on a global scale through online platforms. This initiative opened up a new world of work that not only transformed her life but also ignited a spark of hope for many young Sierra Leoneans.
Fatmata was one of 50 individuals who took part in a specialized training session designed to equip them with the knowledge to establish freelancing profiles and navigate platforms such as Upwork, while also learning to identify and avoid online scams. “We’re in the 21st century, and everything is going digital,” Fatmata remarked. “Freelancing platforms offer flexibility and income opportunities, and they have helped me expand my skills and improve my productivity.” The READY Salone project, formally known as the Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies project, aims to equip 3,000 young Sierra Leoneans with vital digital skills over the next four years.
Marlon Bockarie-Konteh, the Director of Policy, Planning, and Knowledge Management at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “You cannot provide jobs for young people if you don’t equip them with the right market skills.” Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, the project will also provide tailored support to 250 small businesses, helping them connect with potential investors and partners in Africa and Korea. The launch of READY Salone on January 23 in Freetown included a digital freelancing workshop, co-hosted by the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) and Limkokwing University.
Alhaji Sesay, an IPAM graduate, shared his journey of transitioning to freelancing. After leaving a stressful and low-paying 9-to-5 job three years ago, he found the switch to freelancing liberating. “For me, freelancing wasn’t just a career change—it also provided better work conditions and allowed me to use my diverse skill sets in video editing, graphic design, and email marketing to secure higher-paying jobs,” he explained. He aspires to specialize in artificial intelligence and integrate it into his work, showcasing the potential for growth within the digital landscape. Alhaji’s experience highlights a critical issue: many young Sierra Leoneans possess valuable skills but lack awareness of how to leverage them for lucrative online opportunities.
“After the session, I’ve been guiding my peers and showing them that digital freelancing is a viable career option,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and knowledge-sharing within the community. Women, in particular, stand to gain a competitive edge through the acquisition of digital skills. Tenneh Kargbo, a final-year broadcast journalism student at Fourah Bay College and an intern at AYV Television, recognizes the importance of diversifying her skill set in a male-dominated industry. “I don’t want to only focus on writing or reporting. I want to be an independent journalist who can handle editing, production, and other technical aspects of journalism,” she stated.
Tenneh believes that by continuously stepping out of her comfort zone and seeking new skills, she can achieve her professional goals within the next five years. The potential impact of the READY Salone project extends beyond individual success stories; it aims to reduce unemployment rates among Sierra Leonean youth significantly. “With the right digital skills, we can do online and remote work while earning competitive salaries,” Fatmata asserted. “This is more than creating jobs — it empowers us to be self-reliant and benefits the economy.”
The initiative plans to reach 10,000 young people across Sierra Leone, with a particular focus on young women, to raise awareness about the opportunities available in the digital economy. By encouraging the youth to upgrade their digital skills, READY Salone aims to create pathways to better-paying jobs both locally and internationally. For the youth of Sierra Leone, the message is unequivocal: step out of your comfort zone, develop your skills, and explore the myriad opportunities that the digital world has to offer. As Tenneh wisely advises, “Don’t wait for others to hand you success. Seek opportunities, build your capacity, and align your goals with the realities of today’s world.” With initiatives like READY Salone paving the way, the future looks promising for Sierra Leone’s youth as they embark on their journeys toward self-reliance and professional fulfilment in the digital age.
