Notice for Expressions of Interest for Digital Learning Hubs Project; Hosting and Training
The Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) sits in the Office of the President and executes its functions through the Office of the Chief Minister. DSTI is led by The Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of the Government of Sierra Leone who also serves as an Advisor to the President of Sierra Leone.
Our Vision:
DSTI’s vision is to use science, technology, and innovation to support the Government of Sierra Leone in delivering the Medium-Term National Plan effectively and efficiently; and to help transform Sierra Leone into an innovation and entrepreneurship nation.
Background of the Project
Project Title
Digital Learning Hubs – to promote digital learning opportunities to prepare Sierra Leoneans to contribute to the 21st-century digital world “Towards establishing Sierra Leone into an entrepreneurship and innovation hub”.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and created an unprecedented challenge for education systems worldwide which has drawn attention to the importance of connectivity and digital learning opportunities and brought much-needed innovation in the sector.
In response, the Government of Sierra Leone has developed and launched several digital learning initiatives to support remote learning in schools and universities as well as provide opportunities to upscale and prepare the current workforce to acquire the requisite skill sets for roles during and post-COVID.
This is specifically aligned to the government’s Agenda in its Medium-Term National Development Plan which identifies Human Capital Development as a key priority to sustainable economic growth with education being its flagship program. At the 2019 Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) summit, His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio stated, ‘“Our country defines Human Capital development in terms of equal and free access to quality education – that also involves skills training and innovation – we believe this makes the human being fit for purpose in the twenty-first century and all ready to fully partake in the global economy; healthcare – by strengthening our healthcare systems and services; and food security.”
The establishment of Digital Learning Hubs will further support this Agenda by providing a conducive workspace with access to computers and reliable internet connection as well as offer organized digital skills training programs/courses to enable Sierra Leoneans to fully capitalize on the various digital learning opportunities and achieve desired learning outcomes.
Objectives of the Digital Learning Hubs
To offer digital learning opportunities that aim to:
- Scale uptake in digital learning solutions/opportunities by increasing the remote and in-person access to digital learning platforms and devices to improve learning opportunities and outcomes of citizens.
- Strengthen and/or build digital competency/skills of the public sector and young adults to build the capacity of both current and potential public sector workforce.
- Establish partnerships with higher learning institutions to improve learning opportunities for students by providing access to diverse learning content.
- Support data analysis on learning opportunities and identify knowledge and skills gaps in the public sector workforce.
Business Requirements for the Digital Learning Hubs
These are the requirements that must be considered for companies/organizations to host and facilitate digital learning hubs:
- 5 years and above experience in establishing and operating digital learning centers in Sierra Leone.
- Currently operating a minimum of 20 digital learning centers located across Sierra Leone.
- Capacity to host and train a minimum of 1,000 learners in digital skills programs/courses over a period of 2 months.
- Qualified trainers with experience facilitating digital skills training programs via digital platforms.
The following services are needed of qualified and capable companies/organizations to host and facilitate Digital Learning Centers.
| Request for Proposal. | |
| a) | Facilitate digital skills training program for a minimum of 1000 adolescent boys and girls on a digital learning platform |
| b) | Establish 2 digital learning centers; one located in Freetown and the other Up-country as per the specifications and provisions to be provided by DSTI |
| c) | Facilitate the day-to-day operations and management of the Digital Learning Centers to be established as per the conditions to be established by DSTI |
| d) | Design a digital learning center model that will operate at all GoSL digital learning centers nationwide |
| e) | Design digital skills training programs/courses to build and strengthen human capacity development – Specifications and Contents to be approved by DSTI |
| f) | Organize and Facilitate monthly training sessions for the digital skills program/courses designed to be delivered at the Digital Learning Hubs to be established |
| h) | |
a) – f) will be awarded via a competitive RFP process.
C. Criteria
The Directorate of Science Technology and Innovation is currently accepting Expressions of Interest from qualified and capable companies to facilitate and host digital learning hubs. Interested companies must submit the following documents via email only to proposals@dsti.gov.sl
1. Expression of Interest Letter
2. Detailed Company Profile
3. Valid Sierra Leone Business Registration Certificate (if applicable)
4. Certificate of GST Registration (if applicable)
5. Certificate of National Revenue Authority Tax Clearance Certificate
6. CVs of Project Manager and Lead Facilitators
All submissions should be made by Tuesday 27th April 2021. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by Friday 30th April 2021.
