Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Dorothy Springer Trust (DST) marked a significant milestone in its mission to empower Sierra Leoneans through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education on Friday, February 28, 2025. At a ceremony held in Cline Town, Freetown, DST awarded certificates to over 14 graduands who successfully completed ICT courses. This diverse group included both persons with disabilities and individuals without disabilities, reflecting DST’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to skills training.
DST’s vision extends beyond mere skill acquisition. The organization is dedicated to fostering independence and creating sustainable employment opportunities for marginalized communities. By equipping individuals with ICT knowledge, DST ensures that its beneficiaries are not only prepared for the job market but are also capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
The graduation ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, government officials, sponsors from the UK, and representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, underscoring DST’s growing influence in the ICT and disability-inclusion landscape. In his keynote address, DST’s founder and Executive Director, Dr. Abdulai Dumbuya, fondly known as Dr. ABS, highlighted the organization’s remarkable achievements over the years.
“In Sierra Leone today, we have strengthened ICT capacity and disability inclusion for numerous local and international organizations,” Dr. Dumbuya stated. “We have trained personnel from the Irish Embassy, the British High Commission, the Ministry of Defence, and the Sierra Leone Police Force. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain resolute in our vision to expand DST’s offerings from certificate courses to diploma programs accredited by NCTVA, making us a leading provider of inclusive ICT training in Sierra Leone.”
Dr. Dumbuya described DST as the ‘Opportunities House,’ a name inspired by the late Peter Penfold. “When you step through our doors, you are met with countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. It is up to you to seize them,” he emphasized.
DST operates through a well-structured model guided by an International Board of Trustees, with national and local liaison committees providing strategic insights. A dedicated in-country management team, alongside committed volunteers and ambassadors, ensures the successful implementation of DST’s initiatives. Dr. Dumbuya praised his team for their unwavering dedication, noting that their collective efforts have facilitated job placements, further education, and entrepreneurial ventures for numerous beneficiaries.
Over the years, DST has trained more than 300 Sierra Leoneans in ICT, integrating a community-based rehabilitation strategy to support persons with disabilities. Among its many achievements, DST has facilitated university education for 30 bright young people with disabilities. Notably, it is the only institution in Sierra Leone offering scholarships for women with disabilities, thanks to support from the Lillian Foundation, which funds 70% of these scholarships.
DST has also pioneered groundbreaking initiatives, including facilitating the employment of persons with disabilities within the Sierra Leone Police Force—a first in West Africa. Furthermore, the organization established the country’s first Inclusive Employment Bureau, accredited by the Ministry of Labour.
Highlighting DST’s impressive track record, Dr. Dumbuya revealed, “Out of the hundreds of persons with disabilities we have trained, 75% have successfully secured employment, pursued further education, or started their own businesses. This level of success is unprecedented in our sector.” He urged organizations seeking quality ICT training for their staff to partner with DST.
Dr. Kitty Fadlu-Deen, a representative from the Sierra Leone Liaison Committee, commended Dr. Dumbuya’s leadership and passion for inclusion. She emphasized that DST’s achievements were not just about training but about changing lives.
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Freetown City Council’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities. She emphasized the integration of disability-inclusive initiatives within the city’s development agenda, stating, “We are committed to establishing a disability desk. All we need is for you to send me an email so we can set up a meeting and organize the logistics. Nothing is stopping that from happening.” She further elaborated on Freetown’s goal to create 120,000 decent jobs for women and youth, including persons with disabilities.
Francis Mohamed Kabia, Deputy Chief Director at the Ministry of Social Welfare, extended warm congratulations to the graduates. He stressed the need to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities in national development and commended DST’s role in bridging the gap between training and employment.
Alie Conteh, one of the graduating students, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues. “We are going to make use of the opportunity. We will tell the world that disability is not inability,” said Conteh.
As the event concluded, it was evident that DST is more than an ICT training institution—it is a beacon of empowerment, inclusion, and transformation. By continuously breaking barriers and redefining possibilities, DST remains at the forefront of efforts to create a more inclusive and digitally skilled Sierra Leone.