Meetup Report
Limkokwing University – Digital Public Goods & Open Source Awareness Session**
Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
Venue: Library Section, Limkokwing University, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Organizing Team: Alimatu Maliaka Jalloh, Vanessa Mbomah, Ayisha Bockarie
Estimated Attendance: 80 students
Male: 50
Female: 30
Introduction
As part of the growing effort to raise awareness and foster grassroots participation in the Digital Public Goods (DPG) movement, a one-day meetup was held at Limkokwing University, Freetown, on Friday, July 18, 2025. The event brought together over 50 students across various faculties to explore the concepts of open source, digital collaboration, and software version control.
The meetup provided a platform for students to interact with seasoned professionals and community advocates, gaining foundational knowledge in Git, GitHub, and JavaScript programming. It also served as an entry point into broader conversations around ethical technology development, innovation, and Africa’s growing participation in open-source communities.
Objectives of the Meetup
- To introduce students to the concept and importance of Digital Public Goods (DPGs)
- To provide hands-on understanding of Git and GitHub for beginners
- To create awareness of version control systems and how they support collaborative software development
- To encourage youth participation in open-source projects
- To strengthen the local community of tech learners and innovators
Program Highlights
Session 1: Opening and Welcome
The program opened with a welcome address by the organizing team, followed by an overview of the goals and significance of the meetup. The atmosphere was energized by students eager to learn new tools and become part of the open tech ecosystem.
Session 2: Speaker Presentations
Abdullrahim – Digital Public Goods & Open Source Intellectual Policy
This session set the tone for the day by introducing the concept of Digital Public Goods and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding open-source contributions. Abdullrahim discussed how DPGs empower communities and support inclusive innovation, especially in the Global South.
Christex Foundation – Introduction to Git & GitHub
This was a beginner-friendly walkthrough of Git basics, GitHub account setup, and the practical benefits of using GitHub for portfolio development, collaboration, and contributing to real-world projects.
Tolu Adepoju – Understanding Version Control Systems
Tolu explained how version control systems like Git are essential for managing code, tracking changes, and working in teams. His session provided insight into how developers use these tools in professional environments.
Oluwatosin Ayorinde – JavaScript for Beginners
A hands-on, interactive session introducing participants to JavaScript fundamentals. This segment aimed to help students get comfortable with coding syntax, logic building, and interactive web development basics.
Engagement and Participation
Participants actively asked questions, shared personal experiences, and discussed challenges they faced while attempting to learn coding tools on their own. The sessions were interactive, and speakers tailored their presentations to suit beginner-level participants.
Refreshments and Networking
Following the main sessions, participants engaged in informal networking while enjoying light refreshments and snacks. The event also created opportunities for students to connect with potential mentors and collaborators on future open-source projects.
Budget Allocation
| Item | Amount (SLL) |
|------------------------------ --------|--------------|
| Light Refreshments & Snacks | 1,000 |
| Drinks (non-alcoholic) | 500 |
| Water | 300 |
| Miscellaneous | 200 |
| Total |2,000 |
Despite the constrained budget, the event was executed successfully, thanks to the resourcefulness and planning of the organizing team.
Impact and Outcomes
- Increased interest in GitHub among Limkokwing students, many of whom created accounts during or immediately after the session.
- Strong enthusiasm for continued programming workshops and bootcamps focused on Git, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python.
- Participants expressed interest in forming a local Open Source Club to continue learning and contributing to DPGs.
- Students understood the value of their skills in global development and how they can meaningfully contribute to building digital tools for public good.
Next Steps
- Organizing a hands-on Git and GitHub workshop with practical assignments and project-based learning
- Formation of a tech learning circle to support peer collaboration and mentorship
- Continued partnership with community organizations and open-source contributors to scale this initiative across campuses in Sierra Leone
Conclusion
This meetup marks a significant step toward digital empowerment and inclusion for Sierra Leonean students. Through community-driven learning and access to open-source tools, the next generation of innovators is being equipped to contribute meaningfully to Digital Public Goods and global tech ecosystems.
The organizing team extends gratitude to all speakers, volunteers, and participants for their time, energy, and commitment to learning and collaboration. This event demonstrated the power of youth-led, low-budget, high-impact knowledge-sharing, and the vast potential that lies within our academic institutions when technology is made accessible and inclusive.
Click on the link Below to access more photos of the meetup
I had a great time meeting faculties, and students during my visit to the university! Thanks for reminding of those great memories. Also- how good to see so many familiar faces here! felt like a packed and an incredibly successful event. 