By Foday Moriba Conteh
On Tuesday, September, 10, 2024, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE), with support from the World Bank, officially handed over three additional classrooms to St. Martin’s Primary School (RC Boys) in Mattru Jong and UBC Primary School in Jahun, Bonthe District respectively.
The event, marked a key milestone in Phase 1 of the Sierra Leone Free Education Project, aimed at improving school infrastructure. This initiative, implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone through MBSSE, underscores the Government’s commitment to enhancing the education system and promoting human capital development in the Southern Province, by providing a better learning environment.
Ing. Serrie H. Willoughby, Civil Engineer for the Free Education Project (FEP), provided an overview of the Sierra Leone Free Education Project, which is being implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, with support from the World Bank and other partners.
He explained that the project consists of seven components, with the construction of additional classrooms across the country being part of component 3, aimed at improving the learning environment and reducing overcrowding.
Ing. Serrie H. Willoughby maintained that schools with poor infrastructure and those transitioning to a single shift system are receiving support for additional classrooms, while primary schools are benefiting from renovation grants to enhance their learning conditions, highlighting the introduction of component 7, which focuses on foundation learning to improve educational outcomes.
He stated that the project aims to construct at least 400 classrooms nationwide, with 106 classrooms already completed in the first phase and handed over to the schools. He urged communities to take ownership of the new classrooms to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability.
The School Management Committee (SMC) Chairman of St. Martin’s Primary School (RC Boys), Solomon S.K. Barkeh, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for constructing additional classrooms at the school.
He noted that, prior to this; the school had faced severe overcrowding due to a lack of adequate classroom space. The new facilities, he said, have significantly alleviated this issue.
Solomon Barkeh also highlighted the recent impact of a heavy storm that damaged the roof of the nearby RC Girls School, forcing its pupils to use the RC Boys School’s facilities. He acknowledged that this was only possible because of the additional classrooms provided by the Government.
He concluded by appealing to the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, to extend similar support to the RC Girls School, which is currently struggling with accommodation due to the storm damage.
While handing over the facility on behalf of the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, the National Program Coordinator for Free Quality School Education, Augustine Koroma, highlighted the impact of the initiative, a core aspect of President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Agenda, which focuses on Human Capital Development, Economic Diversification, Infrastructure, Technology and Governance, adding that since its inception, the initiative has significantly boosted school enrolment by addressing financial and infrastructure barriers.
He recalled that President Bio, during his 2018 campaign, promised free quality education for pupils in Government and Government-assisted schools, a promise he fulfilled upon taking office of which he stated that with support from institutions like the World Bank, the Sierra Leone Free Education Project (SLFEP) has enabled the construction of additional classrooms, one of the key components.
Augustine Koroma emphasized the responsibility of school authorities, community leaders and parents to ensure the proper maintenance and sustainability of these facilities. He also noted that all classrooms come fully furnished with standard furniture, further enhancing the learning environment.
The National Program Coordinator for Free Quality School Education encouraged parents to send their children to school, stressing that the Free Quality Education initiative offers every child the chance to receive an education.
The newly handed-over classrooms, he added, are part of the Government’s efforts to reduce overcrowding and create conducive learning spaces, which are crucial for lifting communities out of poverty and empowering citizens.
He concluded by thanking the World Bank and other international partners, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, the European Union and Irish Aid, for their crucial support in making the project a reality.
At a similar event, the Head Teacher of UBC Primary School and other Community stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, for constructing three additional classrooms at the school.
They assured attendees that the new facilities would be well-maintained and fully utilized.
The ceremonies at both schools concluded with the symbolic ribbon-cutting to officially open the new classrooms, led by Augustine Koroma, National Program Coordinator for Free Quality School Education, Ing. Serrie H. Willoughby, Civil Engineer for the Free Education Project (FEP), as well as the Paramount Chiefs and other dignitaries present.
