The Deputy Director of Education East (DDE) John Amara Swaray has met with representatives of Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) at the Home Economic Centre Nyandeyama road in Kenema in a bid to emphasise the need for quality education.
Delivering his opening speech, the DDE John Swaray said it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education to provide quality education for all Sierra Leoneans at all levels adding that the purpose of the meeting was to meet with the NGOs who are in partnership with the Ministry of Education to provide quality education in the country.
Mr. Swaray also said the Ministry cannot singly provide adequate education for all but can do so only in collaboration with their partners. Mr. Swaray further maintained that the Ministry needs human resources, learning materials, the training of teachers which government may not be able to provide at the same time but working hand in glove with the NGOs – partners and knowing their plan of action towards education they will be able to reach their goal.
He further said that if the Ministry is aware of NGO plan of action for education and the locality of operation it will help to eradicate duplication of service by two or more organization in the same operational localities.
He cautioned all NGOs to be united and advised them to consult the education office first before taking any programme to communities for implementation.
Madam Alice McCarthy of the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) said NGOs are preparing to present their plan of activities to the Ministry of Education at the next meeting. Meaningful contributions were made by the regional coordinator of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) east Moses Samu and Rugiatu Kanu of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Kenema.