By Mahamood Fofana
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has launched a 10-day training programme for 78 field personnel from Karene and Falaba districts as part of preparations for the Mock Final Population and Housing Census, a key exercise ahead of the nationwide census later this year.
The training, which commenced in Makeni on Thursday, 2 July 2026, is designed to equip field staff with the knowledge and practical skills needed to conduct the Mock Final Census. The exercise will test census tools, data collection systems, and operational procedures before the nationwide enumeration.
Addressing participants, the Northeast Regional Manager of Statistics Sierra Leone, Amadu Sheriff, described the Mock Final Census as a full-scale rehearsal of the national exercise, aimed at assessing the effectiveness of data collection processes and identifying any remaining operational challenges.
He said lessons learned from the earlier Pilot Census had helped the institution identify areas requiring improvement and that the upcoming exercise would further strengthen preparations for a credible and successful national census.
Sheriff urged participants to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism and dedication, stressing that the quality of the national census will depend largely on the accuracy of the data collected.
“The work you undertake during the Mock Final Census will shape our preparations for the national census. We expect accuracy, professionalism, and commitment because the credibility of the census depends on the quality of the data collected,” he said.
He added that recruiting field personnel from their own communities was a deliberate strategy to enhance public trust and ensure that the information collected accurately reflects local realities.
Facilitator Momodu Kamara reminded participants that deployment for the Mock Final Census will depend on their performance during the training.
“We want quality data. That is why only participants who successfully complete the training and pass the final assessment will be selected for deployment,” Kamara said.
The Mock Final Census forms part of Statistics Sierra Leone’s final preparations for the nationwide Population and Housing Census, providing an opportunity to evaluate operational readiness and ensure all systems are functioning effectively before the official exercise begins later this year.
