By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, 15 August 2025—In a concerted effort to enhance data quality and bolster national statistical capacity, UNICEF and Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) have successfully conducted a ten-day Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) Pretest and Training of Trainers (ToT) program. This initiative is a crucial preparatory measure for the upcoming launch of the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-7).
The training, which took place from 4 to 13 August 2025, brought together 32 staff members from Stats SL’s Demographic Health & Social Statistics and Data Science Divisions. Participants engaged in intensive training focused on digital data collection tools, standardized interview protocols, and a comprehensive overview of the MICS-7 questionnaires. These questionnaires cover vital indicators related to child health and nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, early childhood development, and domestic violence.
The program aimed to enhance participants’ capacity to effectively utilize modern CAPI technology, facilitating accurate and efficient data collection. It also included a pretest of the CAPI system in real-world scenarios to assess its functionality and usability, ensuring it is culturally appropriate while identifying potential challenges. This hands-on experience allowed trainers to refine the survey tools for the upcoming survey.
Moreover, the initiative sought to develop a cadre of master trainers who will be responsible for training field staff across the country, ensuring that the full-scale survey runs smoothly. By focusing on these key areas, the training emphasized the importance of consistency and quality in data collection processes, aligning with international MICS standards and protocols.
MICS, a globally supported initiative by UNICEF, serves as a leading household survey program designed to produce internationally comparable and statistically robust data on the health and well-being of women and children. The insights generated from this survey will inform national policymaking, guide donor investments, and support targeted development programs aimed at improving the lives of children and families in Sierra Leone.
The successful completion of the CAPI Pretest and ToT workshop represents a significant milestone in the MICS-7 preparation process. UNICEF and Stats SL remain committed to ensuring robust, reliable, and contextually relevant data collection. This collaborative effort underscores Sierra Leone’s dedication to leveraging technology and evidence-based planning to promote sustainable development and enhance outcomes for children across the nation.
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