Augustine Moses Koroma, National Programme Coordinator at the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) Secretariat, recently had a fruitful meeting with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House. During the meeting, Koroma congratulated the President on his visionary leadership and the FQSE initiative’s remarkable accomplishments, which coincided with its sixth anniversary.
The Free Quality School Education program, which began in August 2018, was a key campaign promise made by President Bio to improve Sierra Leone’s human capital development. Koroma emphasized the scheme’s profound significance, claiming that it has dramatically increased enrollment rates in both primary and secondary schools across the country.
He emphasized the school feeding initiative as a transformative component of the FQSE, describing it as a critical factor in increasing enrollment, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This program has not only provided essential nutrition for children but has also encouraged families to send their children to school, thereby improving educational access.
Koroma also acknowledged President Bio’s efforts in fostering a conducive environment for the FQSE Secretariat to operate effectively. He noted the recruitment of regional and district coordinators, as well as school feeding monitors, as pivotal steps that have enhanced the program’s implementation.
The National Programme Coordinator also highlighted several notable achievements of the scheme, such as the provision of teaching and learning materials, the coverage of school and public examination fees for students, the establishment of adequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities in schools, and the development of supportive educational policies.
In a touching moment, Koroma introduced Mariama Mabinty Turay, who had given the vote of thanks at the FQSE’s launch in 2018. He shared her inspiring story of success, noting that she is now an Honours 1 student at Fourah Bay College, studying Biological Sciences, exemplifying the positive impact of the FQSE on students’ lives.
In response, President Bio thanked Koroma for his visionary leadership and reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Free Quality School Education initiative, emphasizing its importance for Sierra Leone’s future.
