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Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has officially launched a ten-day training program dedicated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Cartographic Mapping for Master Trainers.
The initiative is a crucial preparatory step for the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census, aimed at equipping participants with the necessary skills for effective cartographic mapping.
The selected Master Trainers would be responsible for training additional trainers who will instruct cartographic mappers on standardized procedures and techniques.
Abdulai Salia Brima, the Director of Censuses and Geographic Information Systems and National Census Coordinator for the upcoming census, emphasized the significance of the training. “The GIS and Cartographic Master Training is a key milestone for the 2026 census process, as it will capacitate all master-trainers with the required and up-to-date Cartographic Mapping skills ideal for successfully rolling out the 2026 PHC,” he stated.
During the opening ceremony, Moses Williams, Chairman of the Stats SL Council, urged the trainers to approach the training with diligence and seriousness. “We carefully selected you all as members of an institution that everyone, including government, looks up to. Therefore, you are to give your all to this process. The outcome from this training will surely determine the success of the national cartographic mapping exercise and the whole census process,” he said.
The Chief Census Officer for the 2026 Decennial Population and Housing Census, Andrew Bob Johnny, reiterated the importance of the training, stating, “The Master Trainers’ training starts today, and right now, which will eventually cascade into a series of capacity strengthening efforts. The success of the 2026 PHC rests on all of your shoulders because of the important role assigned to you all.”
He emphasized the need for participants to thoroughly understand digital cartographic mapping concepts that they will pass on to other trainers and field staff.
The Officer-In-Charge of UNFPA Sierra Leone, Sibeso Mululuma, highlighted the census as a critical statistical undertaking that serves as the primary source of information on population characteristics. She noted that GIS and cartographic mapping are essential for creating accurate maps necessary for comprehensive coverage and enumeration throughout the country. Mululuma reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting the government in producing and utilizing accurate census data.
The training would be facilitated by Dr. Foluk Adebayo, a Cartographic Consultant hired by UNFPA. The objective is to equip Master Trainers with the skills required to train national-level trainers, thereby enhancing the quality of census mapping and ensuring accurate data collection for the 2026 census.
