By Saidu Jalloh, D.S. Reporter
BO — Statistics Sierra Leone has completed a one-day orientation for field personnel who will conduct a nationwide Rapid Census Awareness Perception Survey ahead of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The training, held at Doha’s Hotel in Bo, was organised by Stats SL in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund.
Director of Communication and Public Relations at Stats SL, Samuel Ansumana, said the survey is critical to the Census communication strategy. He noted that findings will help the institution and partners assess public awareness, confidence and knowledge levels, and design targeted interventions.
Ansumana also thanked UNFPA for its continued support for Census communication and public engagement.
UNFPA Consultant Baileh Molleh trained participants on Survey123, the digital platform to be used for data collection. He urged field staff to work within assigned Enumeration Areas, obtain informed consent, maintain confidentiality, and conduct interviews ethically and neutrally.
Principal Statistician and GIS Specialist Silleh Bah presented the sampling methodology. He disclosed that 200 Enumeration Areas have been purposively selected nationwide, with 2,000 interviews to be conducted over one week.
The orientation concluded with a review of the survey questionnaire and data collection procedures to ensure consistency before deployment.
Officials say the survey will provide timely evidence on public perceptions of the Census and support more effective, evidence-based communication ahead of the 2026 exercise.
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