By:
Problyn J. Alpha
The Free Quality Education project, administered by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, convened various community stakeholders in Kono District on Monday, January 8th, 2024. The purpose of the gathering was to train participants on reporting to the Grievance Redress Mechanism committee concerning the rehabilitation, refurbishment, and construction of schools and other government-led developments in Kono District, Sierra Leone.
Abubakarr Bayoh, the District Coordinator of Free Quality School Education in Kono, emphasized that the Grievance Redress Mechanism, comprising at least seventeen members from different institutions in Kono District, aims to enhance the successful implementation of all projects under the Free Quality Education School Education secretariat. Bayoh urged committee members to act as watchdogs, overseeing the implementation of government projects, particularly the Free Quality School Education initiative.
Expressing satisfaction with the significant turnout, Bayoh warned of strict actions against obstacles hindering the project’s success, specifically referencing reports of the Toli Chiefdom Government School construction project being abandoned by the contractor, Mr. Jengo.
Bayoh informed the audience about the challenges faced during the inspection of the Free Quality School Education project, such as misinformation about supplied books and the deplorable road network affecting the transportation of teaching and learning materials to hard-to-reach areas.
Highlighting the success stories of the Free Quality School Education project in Kono District, Bayoh mentioned benchmarks like the availability of school buses, provision of exercise and text books, improvement in enrollment, feeding projects, and payment of external examination fees. He called on everyone present to make the Grievance Redress Mechanism effective by reporting both positive and negative occurrences related to government projects.
Christine Sia Pettiquoi, the coordinator of Kono Women’s Organizations (KORNET), expressed delight as a mother, emphasizing the project’s role in complementing parental responsibilities and urged the GRM members to contribute to the success of their children and the Free Quality School Education project.
Tejan Sie, representing the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Kono District, underscored the pivotal role of education in sustainable development. He urged GRM members to be sincere in their efforts, emphasizing that the committee’s vigilance would foster trust and confidence in the implementation of government projects.
The training session concluded with statements from Mary Foyoh, the district coordinator of Free Quality School Education Kono, the deputy chief administrator of Koidu New Sembehun City Council, and interreligious leaders, all expressing unwavering support for the Free Quality School Education project through questions, answers, and discussions at the Koidu New Sembehun City Council Hall on Bona Street in Koidu City.