December 16, 2024: Production of credible statistical data is vital for national development and decision-making processes. To demonstrate genuine commitment to these efforts, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), has commenced a six-day training on structure mapping and household listing for the seventh round of the Sierra Leone Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (SLMICS 2025).
The week-long training is meant to equip the field staff with the required skills and knowledge on structure mapping and household listing using Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI).
The structure mapping is an exercise where all structures (houses) within selected enumeration areas (EAs) or clusters are marked with the SLMICS 2025 inscription, whilst the household listing involves the recording of details of family units within each structure using Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) data collection methodology. This process determines the list of secondary sample units to be targeted when the actual data collection exercise commences .
The Sierra Leone Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (SLMICS) is an initiative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), launched in the 1990s, to produce internationally comparable data (information) on a wide range of indicators bordering on the situation and condition of women and children. The data obtained from the survey will be useful for developing evidence-based policies and programs, and also for monitoring progress towards national goals and global commitment.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, the Research and Evaluation Specialist, Erika Tsuruyama, mentioned the relevance of the survey. She highlighted that the SLMICS is a process of generating high-quality and internationally comparable data on the status of women and children in the country. She encouraged participants to use both technical and collaborative skills to collect quality data during the mapping and listing process.
In his statement, the Deputy Statistician General of Stats SL, Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh, emphasized the importance and complexity of the mapping and listing exercise, noting that the exercise determines the successful and credible outcome of the 2025 SLMICS. He therefore rallied the trainees to give their fullest support and commitment to the entire mapping and listing exercise.
Mr. Kanneh went further to formally declare the training session open.
Also present at the opening was the Director of Demographic Health and Social Statistics Division (DHSSD), Mohamed Koblo Kamara, SLMICS National Cordinator, Miriam B. Jalloh, the Director of Communication and Public Relations Division (CPRD), Samuel Ansumana, the SLMICS consultant, Eleanor Keeble, and other technical and support staff of Stats SL.
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