The Republic of Sierra Leone sits near the bottom of the list for human development, according to the 2022 Human Development Report (HDR). An assessment based on three basic dimensions–life expectancy, education, and per capita income, measures the standard of living for the people of 195 countries and territories around the world. Sierra Leone is part of the 90% of countries suffering a decline in development largely due to global crises, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine War.
To reduce inequalities and improve the lives of its citizens, Sierra Leone has placed great importance on education and created the Free Quality School Education Initiative in 2018. Its government sees to be “a nation with educated, empowered, and healthy citizens capable of realizing their fullest potential” by 2035.
Life for Relief and Development contributed to this initiative recently in 2023 through a donation of curricular textbooks and other learning materials. These materials were distributed to over 135 learning institutions, including nursery, primary, and secondary schools nationwide, benefiting 103,780 current students.
A ceremony was held on November 18, 2023, to recognize the significance of this book distribution. Many distinguished personalities and representatives from different government ministries graced the event.
Mrs. Mariama Turay, the National Coordinator for LIFE, spoke of LIFE’s support for the government’s efforts in achieving the desired quality learning environment and outcomes. The hope is to motivate pupils to adopt a culture of reading, and empower teachers to deliver on their mandate more effectively. She encouraged students to always read in school and study hard at home to become responsible and self-reliant citizens of tomorrow.
Sierra Leone’s high illiteracy rate of 48.6% is a major issue the government is tackling. It is a result of a disruption in education for many children during the years of civil wars the country experienced. Furthermore, the socio-economic and political instability deprived funding for education, which fueled Sierra Leoneans’ opinion that education is insignificant.
This long-held belief can’t be further from the truth, as literacy is fundamental to citizenship in a democracy- to informed decision-making, to personal empowerment, and active and positive participation in the global and local economy.
The availability of learning material is an important, albeit only one, factor that will help achieve Sierra Leone’s vision of a nation of empowered people. Cooperation from different parties is needed to make this vision a reality.
