By Emma Black

In a heartfelt gesture of community upliftment, Koidu City’s own philanthropist, Adams Tommy, donated three computers to the Women’s Forum on Mining and Extractives & Vocational Training Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The contribution, aimed at empowering women through digital skills and vocational training, underscores Tommy’s year-long mission to support Koidu’s most vulnerable and foster local development.

The handover ceremony, held at the training center in Koidu, buzzed with gratitude and optimism. Addressing attendees, Tommy shared his vision for a stronger, more inclusive community, this donation is a small step in my commitment to helping those who need it most, he said, by equipping women with tools to learn and grow, we’re building a brighter future for Koidu. His words resonated with the crowd, many of whom see him as a beacon of hope in the diamond-rich region.

Madam Favour Yorpoi, representing the Women’s Forum, accepted the computers with deep appreciation. Mr. Tommy’s generosity is changing lives, she said, her voice thick with emotion. These computers will open doors for our women to gain digital skills and vocational training, empowering them to thrive in mining and beyond, she prayed for Tommy’s continued success, hoping his example inspires others to give back. May more opportunities come his way so many more can benefit, she added.

The donation is a game-changer for the center, which trains women in Kono District to navigate the mining industry and develop marketable skills like tailoring and business management. With Sierra Leone’s mining sector often male-dominated, the forum equips women to advocate for fair labor practices and economic independence. The new computers will enable digital literacy classes, allowing trainees to access online resources, draft business plans, and connect with global markets a critical step in a region where internet access remains limited.

Local resident Aminata Kamara, a trainee at the center, beamed with excitement, these computers mean I can learn how to use spreadsheets for my small business, she said. It’s a chance to stand on my own. Stories like hers highlight the ripple effect of Tommy’s gift, which could impact dozens of women and their families in Koidu.

Tommy’s philanthropy is not new. Over the past year, he has funded school supplies, water pumps, and youth programs in Kono, earning him the “son of the soil moniker for his deep ties to the land and its people. Adams doesn’t just give he listens to what we need, said Joseph Gbondo, a community elder. Madam Yorpoi echoed this, urging others to follow suit. Let’s all contribute to our society’s growth, just like Mr. Tommy, she said.

The donation aligns with broader efforts to empower women in Sierra Leone, where only 8% of women in rural areas have digital access, per a 2024 Ministry of Communications report. Kono’s rugged terrain and economic challenges make such initiatives vital, though sustaining them requires ongoing support. The center plans to seek additional funding to expand its tech lab and train more women.