By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
A high-level delegation from the World Bank, alongside the Free Education Project (FEPS) team, has conducted a field visit to assess the impact of newly constructed school facilities under the project’s Component 3 – School Level Education Development. The visit aimed to provide ongoing support and supervision, showcasing notable achievements and setting future priorities for enhancing educational conditions across the country.
Dr. Abdu Muwonge, the World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone, led the delegation, which included Operations Manager for West Africa, Michelle Keane, and Project Team Lead, Mokhlesur Rahman. The FEPS team was headed by Ambrose Sesay, Project Coordinator. The group visited the Roman Catholic Primary School in Loppa Dama Chiefdom, Kenema District, and the United Brethren for Christ Primary School in Kakua Chiefdom, Bo District.
During their visit, the team engaged with headteachers, volunteer teachers, School Management Committee members, traditional authorities, and community leaders. Many expressed gratitude for the new school buildings, highlighting their positive impact on school attendance and the overall learning environment. However, challenges persist, including a shortage of trained teachers, lack of incentives for volunteer teachers, and limited access to educational resources.
Dr. Muwonge assured community members that their feedback would be communicated to the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and additional support. The delegation also toured classrooms and interacted with students, who expressed enthusiasm about their new facilities, particularly the spacious classrooms and comfortable furniture.
“We are pleased with the infrastructure improvements and their positive impact on pupils’ learning. The classrooms and WASH facilities show great progress. We also appreciate the community’s active role in sustaining these achievements,” Dr. Muwonge stated.
The team commended the project for delivering quality results, even in remote areas. In Kenema, the local chief shared that new bye-laws had been enacted to boost school attendance, including fines for parents whose children are found outside during school hours without a valid reason.
The community’s women’s leader, also serving as the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) focal person, emphasized their commitment to child protection, stating, “We are determined to keep our children safe. No teacher should be sending children to buy cigarettes or engaging in inappropriate behavior. If that happens, we take action immediately.”
The World Bank Country Program Manager highlighted the importance of structured support for volunteer teachers and strong community participation in safeguarding children. “The community is the first safeguard. By working together, we can reduce vulnerability and improve the quality of education,” he noted.
The visit reaffirmed donor confidence in the Free Education Project’s results and strategic direction, ensuring that feedback from the mission will inform next steps, including an accelerated plan to complete outstanding infrastructure and address emerging needs. Both the World Bank and FEPS expressed their commitment to ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to quality, inclusive, and safe education.
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