Since the government launched its landmark Free Quality School Education Program in 2018, Sierra Leone has made significant gains in school enrollment. Before the introduction, education outcomes and skills acquisition were among the lowest in Africa.
The education sector also faced deep access inequalities, weak sector governance, and inefficient public spending and management. The Free Education Project has helped in addressing these challenges, as well as supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in its efforts. Other non-governmental organisations and private individuals have also helped in making sure that this government initiative achieves its desired outcome.
Hon. Abdul Muniru Lansana and David Abu Bangura are among those with such vision. During the incentive presentation to 25 teachers at the St Theresa Primary School in the eastern part of Freetown, HON. ABDUL MUNIRU LANSANA said that this was a result of the dedication of teachers at the St. Theresa Primary School and a way of encouraging them to be more committed to teaching children in their school.
He further stressed that this will also recognise and appreciate the most innovative, ingenious, and dedicated teachers. In his submission, he congratulated all pupils who have successfully sat their transition exams this year.
He also stated that the government has a record number of learners, who now have the option to transition into secondary school, tertiary, and higher education right through Sierra Leone, with good quality education. He continued that the government is proud of the work teachers are doing in imparting knowledge to school-going children.
Hon: Lasana also noted that it was not until 2018 when he was a member of Parliament representing const. 121 under the Sierra Leone People’s Party in President Bio’s first term, that the transformation of teachers, teaching and the teaching profession took a great leap for the better, adding that they had to address questions around access, inclusion, quality, retention, completion, and transition to technical, vocational, and higher education.
He told the gathering that as a government, they would continue to promote radical inclusion, and had now extended the methods of how the government trains and recruits teachers.
He disclosed that over the past 5 years, President Bio’s government had spent billions of dollars on the training of teachers around the country. Being a source of model and guidance to the most important capital in the life of the student.
He commended the leadership of President Bio and his partner, David Abu Bangura, for their support in transforming education in the community and making human capital development a priority, and pledged their support to the best teacher in St Theresa Primary School next academic year.
