Launch of PC Skills Training Program for Four Youth in Sierra Leone

Thank you for your continuous support of JaSiLe Foundation (Japan Sierra Leone Foundation)the local partner organization of the Japanese NGO Alazi Dream Project. We are pleased to provide an update on our PC Skills Training Program for four young people in Sierra Leone, which commenced in March 2026.

Currently, four Japanese volunteers are serving as “Buddies,” providing one-on-one online instruction via Zoom every week.

The Buddy Pairs:

1. Fatimata (Buddy: Ryoko Yoshiura / Board Member)
2. Aliu (Buddy: Norito Kawamura / Monthly Supporter living in Mexico)
3. Aisata (Buddy: Masaya Kobiki / Former Intern)
4. Sarah (A new Japanese intern is scheduled to take over in May)

On April 23, 2026, we held a regular meeting to share progress and challenges.

Visualizing Growth with the “PC Skills Checklist”

To ensure systematic instruction, we use a proprietary checklist:

• Three-Step Progress: Items such as “Basic Setup,” “Typing,” and “Zoom Operation” are evaluated in three stages: Introduced → Practicing → Mastered. Our goal is for every student to reach the “Mastered” stage in all categories.
• Real-time Information Sharing: Progress is tracked on a shared spreadsheet. This allows Buddies to reference each other’s teaching methods and keeps students motivated, creating a collaborative environment for the entire team.

Progress Reports for Each Student

Each student has a dedicated Buddy to address their specific needs.

(1) Fatimata (Buddy: Ryoko Yoshiura)

• Lessons are held every Thursday at 9:00 AM Sierra Leone time.
• Challenge: Occasional audio issues due to connectivity.
• Strategy: Implementing a system to ensure the student truly understands rather than just saying they do, emphasizing clear instructions tailored to Fatimata’s learning style.

(2) Allieu (Buddy: Norito Kawamura)

• Lessons are conducted from Mexico every Friday afternoon. The student is highly motivated.
• Challenge: Loud noise from local mosque prayers on Friday afternoons can be distracting.
• Countermeasure: While early morning (5-6 AM local time) is best for internet speed, they currently use a combination of Zoom and WhatsApp to mitigate audio troubles.

(3) Isata (Buddy: Masaya Kobiki)

• Currently coordinating the first lesson.
• Focus: Prioritizing positive reinforcement and communication to build enthusiasm for learning.

(4) Sarah (Buddy: New Intern starting in May)

• The start was delayed due to the student’s child’s health, but training is expected to begin in May as the situation has stabilized.

Infrastructure Challenges in Sierra Leone

Ensuring a stable internet environment is one of the project’s greatest hurdles.

• Wi-Fi and Theft: We face unpredictable issues, including the theft of Wi-Fi routers. We now use the “Orange 1” network, as previous providers proved too slow for video calls.
• Internet Speed: Speeds are most stable (up to 10Mbps) in the early morning. We are seeking the best time slots while considering the time difference with Buddies.
• Office Environment: Our local office is located next to a pot-making factory. Despite the constant noise, students value the opportunity to come to the office and use the computers.

Future Actions

• Shared Manual: Converting instructional PDFs made by our buddy, Mr. Kawamura, into Canva templates so the entire team can edit and share materials.
• Original Video Content: Developing self-study videos, such as our first release, “5 Copy-Paste Hacks You Need to Know!”. Until we have a full catalog, supporters will continue to provide individual guidance on priority topics.
• Detailed Guidance: Even basic tasks, like moving the Zoom menu bar, require explanation for first-time users. We are compiling these teaching tips to improve our curriculum.

We remain committed to overcoming infrastructure barriers to provide effective instruction. Thank you for your continued support.

Scenes from the PC Skills Training Sessions

（Posted by: Yuiha Mori, Intern)