By Beny SAM
In the words of the United Nations/UNICEF “Progress of Nations” report, “The day will come when nations will be judged not by their military or economic strength, nor by the splendor of their capital cities and public buildings, but by the well-being of their peoples: by their levels of health, nutrition and education; by their opportunities to earn a fair reward for their labours; by their ability to participate in the decisions that affect their lives; by the respect that is shown for their civil and political liberties; by the provision that is made for those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged; and by the protection that is afforded to the growing minds and bodies of their children.”
In line with this vision, the Government of Sierra Leone launched the Free Quality School Education Program (FQSEP) on August 20, 2018. This ambitious initiative aimed to provide accessible and high-quality education for all children in the country. However, an assessment of Secondary Grade Learning Assessments (SGLAs) in 2017 and 2018 revealed significant challenges. The SGLAs, which measured English and mathematics skills of JSS2 and SSS2 students, showed that most pupils possessed only basic primary-level skills despite completing eight to eleven years of formal education. The situation was particularly dire for girls, poorer pupils, and those in remote areas.
For many years, the value of education in Sierra Leone was overshadowed by the pursuit of wealth. Education was often dismissed as secondary to making money, leading many parents to encourage their children to engage in trading rather than attend school. The FQSEP has faced numerous obstacles, including insufficient government funding, reliance on donor support, untrained teachers, high student-to-teacher ratios, and an overall decline in the quality of the school system. These challenges have only exacerbated the existing problems within the education sector.
Education researchers have identified four key factors influencing student achievement: family socioeconomic status, time spent on self-study and preparation, engagement in additional work and hobbies, and the institutional environment. In Sierra Leone, low attendance rates are often linked to poverty, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy. UNICEF’s 2022 report highlighted the country’s learning crisis, noting that only eight percent of children in the third grade could read a simple text. The lack of foundational skills like reading and mathematics poses a severe threat to children’s growth and lifelong learning.
Despite these challenges, the Sierra Leonean government has shown unwavering political will to ensure the success of the FQSEP. The program has already led to significant improvements, including increased school attendance and retention, approval of more schools and teachers, distribution of teaching and learning materials, better school infrastructure, and stricter measures against examination malpractice. The focus on quality within the FQSEP seeks to ensure that children across the country, regardless of gender, economic status, or location, are acquiring the skills they need for their future.
However, the education sector cannot be viewed in isolation. Health and sanitation are closely linked to human capital development. In Sierra Leone, where it is estimated that 60% of diseases are waterborne, poor sanitation remains a significant barrier to development. Access to clean drinking water is limited, with less than 50% of the population having reliable access. Even in the capital, Freetown, many areas lack access to safe drinking water, exacerbating health issues and undermining educational outcomes. As UNICEF aptly puts it, “To deny people basic sanitation is not just inhumane—it also kicks the first step out from a country’s ladder of development.”
In many schools, inadequate sanitation facilities and lack of access to clean water are prevalent issues. Many schools lack usable toilets, and those that do have them are often insufficient for the student population. These conditions contribute to the broader challenges facing Sierra Leone’s education system. The country’s widespread poverty, low levels of education, and high rates of illiteracy continue to undermine economic and social progress.
Over the past seven years, it has become evident that many schoolchildren do not study at home, either due to a lack of parental support or because they are expected to contribute to household income. This issue is particularly pronounced in households where parents are illiterate and rely on their children to help with income-generating activities. The rapid increase in school enrollment has also strained the education system. Between 2015 and 2017, JSS enrollment increased by 10%, and SSS enrollment by 30%. While these increases have provided more children with access to education, they have also highlighted the urgent need for improved school infrastructure and resources.
The challenges facing Sierra Leone’s education system are significant, and addressing them will require sustained effort and investment. However, the progress made through the FQSEP is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens. By prioritizing quality education and addressing the underlying issues of health and sanitation, Sierra Leone can pave the way for a brighter future for its children.
