By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone: The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at reintegrating 120,000 out-of-school children across the country. The program, which targets boys and girls aged 7 to 14, is being supported by Education Above All (EAA) and funded by the World Bank.
According to the ministry, the effort underscores the principle that education is a fundamental human right and highlights the urgency of inclusive educational policies. “Central to MBSSE’s mission is a steadfast dedication to the principle that every child deserves the opportunity to learn,” the ministry stated.
Out-of-school children are defined as those within the 7–14 age range who are neither enrolled in nor attending school. This group is considered particularly vulnerable to the long-term effects of educational neglect, including poverty and lack of skills development.
To address this, MBSSE plans to implement a comprehensive identification strategy. Enumerators will collect data in community hubs such as slums, marketplaces, and parks. The ministry will also collaborate with local stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs, Section Chiefs, counselors, Education District Directors, School Quality Assurance Officers, and Free Quality School Education (FQSE) coordinators.
Additionally, a toll-free hotline (8060) has been introduced to encourage community members to report children who are not in school, fostering shared responsibility in ensuring that every child is given the chance to learn.
The initiative will run until December 2027. To maximize resources, MBSSE will deploy existing primary school teachers to instruct out-of-school children after regular school hours, Monday through Friday, using formal school facilities.
The primary school curriculum will be adapted into an accelerated learning program over the next three years. This program will be structured into three levels aligned with key stages of the curriculum, ensuring a smooth and effective reintegration process into the formal education system.
Officials say the initiative offers renewed hope for families nationwide and represents a significant step toward closing the educational gap. By combining community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and curriculum innovation, MBSSE aims to guarantee that quality education is accessible to every child, regardless of background.