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Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has conducted an orientation for Independent Monitors ahead of the 2026 Mock Population and Housing Census.
The one-day orientation, held at the UNFPA Sierra Leone Headquarters in Signal Hill, brought together senior government officials, technical experts, development partners, and members of the Independent Monitoring Team to review monitoring procedures, ethical standards, and reporting mechanisms before field deployment.
The session was aimed at equipping Independent Monitors with the necessary knowledge and operational guidance to effectively observe, assess, and report on the Mock Census exercise. Participants received technical presentations covering the objectives of the Mock Census, monitoring methodologies, field procedures, ethical considerations, and reporting templates.
Interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions provided an opportunity for monitors to clarify operational issues and strengthen their preparedness for deployment.
Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of independent monitoring in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the census process. Monitors were provided with practical guidance on documenting observations, submitting recommendations, and working closely with census teams to ensure accurate and objective reporting.
Delivering remarks at the orientation, UNFPA Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi reaffirmed UNFPA’s continued support to the Government of Sierra Leone through Stats SL, describing independent monitoring as “a critical pillar in strengthening transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the census process.”
He encouraged monitors to execute their responsibilities with professionalism, impartiality, and integrity, noting their role in contributing to a credible census process.
Representing Stats SL, Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh described the Mock Census as an essential preparatory exercise for the national Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026.
He explained that the mock exercise will test key components of the census process, including field operations, data collection tools, operational systems, logistics arrangements, and communication strategies ahead of the main enumeration.
Census field personnel are already deployed across the six selected Mock Census locations, conducting household listing activities. Mock Census Night is scheduled for 19 July 2026, with enumeration expected to begin on 20 July 2026.
Independent Monitors will observe household listing activities, Mock Census Night procedures, and the subsequent enumeration exercise. They will document findings and provide recommendations aimed at strengthening preparations for the national census.
Monitors were also reminded to adhere to established reporting procedures and coordination mechanisms with census field teams to ensure that their observations are timely, objective, and useful for decision-making.
The orientation ended with renewed commitments from Stats SL and UNFPA to maintain high standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability throughout the Mock Census process.
Participants expressed readiness to support the exercise and contribute towards delivering a credible, inclusive, and high-quality Population and Housing Census in December 2026.
