By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
“Our priority is to ensure that every child in Sierra Leone can read, write, and learn in a safe environment,” said Hon. Conrad O. Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, following a meeting with UNICEF Representative Rudolf Schwenk on 13th May 2026.
The high-level engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Government of Sierra Leone and UNICEF to improving children’s education across the country. Both leaders agreed to accelerate efforts aimed at strengthening foundational learning, promoting safe schools, and improving data-driven education systems.
The discussions focused on translating policy commitments into measurable improvements in classrooms nationwide.
Minister Sackey stated that the Ministry is actively working to strengthen teacher training, expand access to quality learning materials, and ensure that schools remain safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for all children. He emphasized that effective and efficient financing is essential to addressing gaps in literacy and numeracy at the foundational level.
“Without strong foundations in the early years, we cannot expect strong outcomes later,” Sackey said. “This partnership with UNICEF helps us track progress and direct resources where they are needed most.”
UNICEF Representative Rudolf Schwenk echoed the importance of evidence-based interventions, noting that data-driven systems enable both government and development partners to identify challenges early and respond more effectively. He also stressed the need to protect children in schools from violence, abuse, and disruptions that hinder learning.
The meeting comes at a time when Sierra Leone continues efforts to recover from learning losses and expand equitable access to education, particularly for girls and children in hard-to-reach communities.
Officials noted that the engagement will help shape the next phase of implementation under the government’s education transformation agenda.
Both parties are committed to scaling up programmes that support foundational learning skills, improve school environments, and promote accountability in education spending. The hashtag #ForEveryChild was highlighted as a symbol of the shared commitment to inclusive and quality education for every learner.
The engagement builds on years of collaboration between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and UNICEF, which has supported curriculum reform, teacher development, and emergency education response initiatives across the country.