By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
As Sierra Leone’s schools reopened on 9th September 2024 for the 2024/2025 academic year, the Sierra Leone Civil Rights Coalition, under the leadership of Alphonso Manley, outlined a detailed review of the first week. He said the Coalition’s assessment aimed to evaluate teacher and pupil turnout and the condition of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities across various schools.
According to him, the Coalition’s findings revealed a promising start with high attendance rates at schools like St. Edward Secondary School and St. Joseph Secondary School, where over 80% of pupils and teachers were present on the first day maintaining how that was a notable improvement from previous years.
Alphonso Manley, however, pointed out that challenges persisted at Government Secondary School Kingtom, Services Primary and Secondary Schools and St. Luke’s Primary and Secondary School, where pupils turnout were notably lower, particularly among examination classes.
In an exclusive interview, Alphonso Manley, expressed the view that a major concern identified was the condition of WASH facilities underscoring that while some schools were well-prepared others, especially in less advantaged areas, struggled with shortages of water and inadequate sanitation facilities citing schools such as Services Primary and Secondary and St. Luke’s Primary and Secondary as among those facing such critical issues.
He revealed that to address those challenges, the Coalition has proposed two key recommendations:
- The Immediate Supply of Water to ensure a consistent and adequate supply of water to all schools.
- To Enhance WASH Facilities by upgrading and expanding WASH facilities in schools with identified deficiencies.
“The reopening period presents an opportunity to address longstanding issues in our schools,” Alphonso Manley stated adding: “Our recommendations are intended to help create a safer and more equitable learning environment for all pupils.”
The National Coordinator disclosed plans to continue monitoring those lapses and advocate for necessary improvements throughout the school year.
