The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) had promised the administration of the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) that to ensure health and safety in schools, the Ministry will embark on a zero campaign on makeshift schools across the country, which has already started to yield dividend. While continuing the monitoring of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) across the country, Minister Sengeh also took the opportunity to inspect a new school in Port Loko District constructed in six months by one of its child friendly partners, Plan International.
According to the MBSSE Communications Unit, the newly constructed school in the Northern Region was a makeshift school that exposed pupils to health and safety risks, including inadequate space to accommodate more pupils. Communications Officer, Ibrahim Sheriff said the commitment made by the MBSSE to the SLTU and the TSC is already yielding good results noting that come September the school will be more than ready for the children.
Sheriff added that Minister David Sengeh identified more makeshift schools as he moved along to monitor WASSCE in parts of the Northern Region, and has assured local authorities and community residents that the Ministry will continue to support and keep to its commitment of providing permanent school structures that are conducive and safe for learning.
By Ade Campbell