By Augustine Sankoh
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and its partners joined other countries in the world on Wednesday 24th January to celebrate the 6th International Day of Education 2024 in Bo Town, Southern Sierra Leone with the theme; Learning for Lasting Peace. Back in 2018, the United Nations decided that January 24 would be the International Day of Education.
This decision was made by 59 countries that wanted to highlight the importance of education. Since then, every January 24 has been a day to recognize and celebrate the significance of education worldwide. In this year’s celebration, both the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and the Ministry of Tertiary and Higher Education (MTHE) celebrated the day during the Annual Celebration of Education Week January 22nd – 26th 2024.
The day commenced with a march-past that attracted thousands of learners from different institutions in the district on a procession from Sewa Road to Bo Government Secondary School Compound. The Annual Celebration of Education in Sierra Leone is an event of great importance to the country’s education sector. It provides a unique platform for education stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, development partners, educators, pupils, students, and the private sector, to come together and commemorate the progress and achievements made in the field of education over the past year. It is also an opportunity to assess the challenges faced and discuss strategies for the future. This year’s celebration was climaxed by a statement from the President of Sierra Leone Brigadier (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio.
“As we mark the sixth International Day of Education with the theme “LEARNING FOR LASTING PEACE”, my Government recognizes that EDUCATION is a HUMAN RIGHT, a PUBLIC GOOD and a PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY. When I became President of our great nation in 2018, my Government fully embraced the Human Capital Development vision where every Sierra Leonean child has access to holistic education,” according to President Bio. This year’s celebration promises to be particularly momentous as Sierra Leone continues its journey toward providing quality and inclusive education for all. Sierra Leone has made significant strides in improving access to education, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, and promoting gender equality in education. However, there is still much work to be done, and both ministries believe that collaborative efforts with our education development partners are crucial to achieving their goals. “To mark The International Day of Education on January 24, 2024, we are using the hashtag #StartTheStory on social media to highlight the pivotal power that books, stories, and reading materials have in transforming lives and building better futures,” according to the World Bank. The Education Week celebration which will end on Friday 26th January encompasses a variety of activities, including Statements: Distinguished speakers from the education sector and development partners will provide insights and perspectives on the future of education in Sierra Leone. Exhibition: An exhibition showcasing innovative educational practices, research, and products will be set up to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among participants. Presentations and Panel Discussions: Thought-provoking panel discussions will address critical issues in education, including access, quality, equity, and sustainability. Awards Ceremony: Both ministries recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the advancement of education in Sierra Leone. Sports: schools and tertiary institutions in the district compete in volleyball and football competitions as well.
