Secondary Education in Sierra Leone achieves a major milestone this week as 452 school leaders graduate from a flagship programme designed to improve the nation’s schools.
These school leaders are the first to graduate from the School Leadership Programme (SLP) – a professional development programme developed by Sierra Leone’s Teaching Service Commission (TSC) with support from UK International Development.
The graduates, who include principals, vice principals, heads of department and senior teachers, learnt how to create safer and more inclusive learning environments for all children and young people. In its first year, the School Leadership Programme has received excellent feedback from participants with 97% reporting that they have learned something new that is important to their work and their school.
Graduation ceremonies took place in the first week of August in five districts: Western Region, Port Loko, Bombali, Bo and Kailahun. The TSC is planning to expand the School Leadership Programme to all districts in the next academic year.
High level dignitaries attended the first graduation ceremony in Western Rural, including the Honourable Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBBSE), Conrad Sackey. Also present were the CEO of MBSSE, Edward Kpakra, and the TSC Chairperson, Lans Keifala. In addition, two executive members of the Conference of Principals, Abdul Razak and Nafue Ganer,andthe District Council Chairpersons forPort Loko, Bombali, Bo and Kailahun attended the event.
“This graduation marks an exciting new chapter for education in Sierra Leone”, said Sorie Ibrahim Turay, Executive Secretary of the Teaching Service Commission. “The school leaders graduating today are already making a difference in their schools and are better prepared to lead positive change in their communities. Their impact will reach thousands of learners across the country.
It is crucial that we continue to support school leaders in strengthening school structures, policies, and practices so that every learner receives a quality education.”
Mr Alhaji Salim Swaray, a Principal in Port Loko District said about of his experiences studying on the SLP:
“I learnt about the concept of understanding exclusion and I also learnt about classroom management and strategy of marginalised and vulnerable groups. I’ve also learnt about understanding sexual and gender-based violence… It [has given] me insight on how I should administer my school as a school leader; how we coordinate, collaborate and communicate to one another.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
- The School Leadership Programme (SLP) was launched in 2024 by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) in Sierra Leone with support from the Leh Wi Lan programme. It is a free, year-long course designed to improve the knowledge and skills of school leaders so that they achieve the School Leader Competency Framework for Sierra Leone described in the Design Report for the National School Leadership (2023).
- Leh Wi Lan is part of the Sierra Leone Secondary Education Improvement Programme II (SSEIP II), which is funded by UK International Development. The five-year programme supports Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to deliver improved education outcomes at secondary level, with a focus on schoolgirls and learners with disabilities. Leh Wi Lan is implemented by a consortium of national and international organisations led by Cambridge Education.
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