The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) in collaboration with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) held a meeting in Kono District at the MBSSE Conference Hall. The Deputy Director of Education, Kono District, Brima Thaimu Koroma, said the meeting was to identify and frankly discuss challenges within schools and in the education sector. Koroma pointed out that school administrators and teachers stand in a strategic position to make sure the Government delivers on the free quality education program. The Deputy Director stressed that schools in the District have been dogged by challenges largely stemming from weak administration, indiscipline from teachers and poor teaching techniques. Koroma also blamed parents, guardians and pupils for the severe problems in the education program. He implored everyone to work hard as his office has no room for any ‘sacred cows’ with regard to quality service delivery. On issues of integrity in schools, the Deputy Director MBSSE remarked that payment for grades in schools and other professional misconduct has a negative effect on the overall educational development of the child. He admonished school leaders to ensure their teachers refrain from such corrupt practices. “The kids are the seeds of society and we all should nurse them well for the good of our beloved country. But, if we extort money from them, they learn from what we do to them, and consequently they do likewise. Early childhood development is key in education and teachers ought not to forget that. They must change their behaviour and keep the school free of corruption,” Koroma implored his audience. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Sub-Regional Manager, Wilfred Bangura, said they are working closely with the MBSSE. He spoke about fake certificates, absenteeism, soliciting and accepting bribes and payment for homework as some of the thorny corruption issues in schools. Bangura forewarned teachers, principals and stakeholders to refrain from corruption to avoid prosecution, citing some recent convictions secured by the ACC. The Deputy Director of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Max Fallah Sengu, said his office is charged with recruiting, registering, and licensing teachers; and working with other education players. He noted that the TSC office was recently opened to the public in Kono district in February 2019. Giving a brief background to the TSC, the Deputy Director explained that the 1995 Education Review recommended the formation of the Commission, which was given legality by an Act of Parliament in 2011. According to Sengu, the Government has budgeted for the recruitment of 5,000 teachers. He said 1,200 have been recruited and placed in government-approved schools. He added, “There are currently 3,800 vacancies. The TSC will shortlist all applicants at the District level and forward names of shortlisted candidates to the managers, proprietors, or education secretaries of schools for interviews .
SV/25/3/19
By Sylvia Villa
Tuesday March 26, 2019.