By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Internal Affairs Sierra Leone and the Confederation of Ex-Pupils Associations of Secondary Schools have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening efforts to combat lawlessness and indiscipline in schools across Sierra Leone.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Ministry’s conference room on Gloucester Street in Freetown, bringing together key stakeholders in a renewed push to address rising concerns over student misconduct, particularly in the capital.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, described the partnership as a significant step toward fostering collaboration to tackle indiscipline among school-going children. He noted that the initiative will focus on awareness-raising, monitoring, and coordinated enforcement measures.
Lengor explained that the Ministry has, in recent months, engaged various stakeholders, including CEPASS, to develop practical strategies to address the issue. He emphasized that the MOU provides a structured framework for the effective implementation of those measures.
The Minister further expressed appreciation to CEPASS for its commitment to the partnership, stressing that joint action will help deepen public understanding of the negative effects of lawlessness among young people.
CEPASS President, Emerica King, described the agreement as a milestone in the history of both institutions. She commended the Minister’s leadership and reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting discipline and safety in schools.
King added that collaboration between the two bodies will play a critical role in achieving shared objectives, particularly in curbing violence and misconduct among pupils.
Under the terms of the MOU, both parties agreed to implement key interventions, including sustained mobile police patrols at identified hotspots where students gather. The agreement also provides for the establishment of a joint working group and a public relations team to engage pupils and parents, as well as the creation of a hotline for reporting incidents involving students.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sahr Senesie, signed the agreement on behalf of the Sierra Leone Police, underscoring the role of law enforcement in supporting the initiative.
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of pleasantries between officials of the Ministry and CEPASS, signaling the start of what both sides described as a long-term collaboration to address indiscipline in schools.