By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in partnership with the Doctrina Foundation, has concluded a two-day training workshop for primary school teachers aimed at strengthening the reading culture and improving early-grade literacy outcomes across Sierra Leone.
The workshop, held at the Freetown Polytechnic Jui Campus from July 21–22, equipped teachers with practical, phonics-based teaching methods designed to help young learners develop strong foundational reading skills.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer Josephus Brimah encouraged participants to fully engage in the training, emphasizing that reading remains a fundamental pillar of education and national development. He commended the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, for supporting the initiative and acknowledged the contribution of development partners in making the programme possible.
Drawing from his personal experience, Brimah highlighted the effectiveness of phonics-based approaches in teaching children how to read. He urged participants to share the knowledge gained with other teachers across the country to ensure wider impact.
Acting Deputy Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer Sia Fasuluku described the partnership between the Ministry and the Doctrina Foundation as an important step toward improving early childhood literacy in Sierra Leone. She explained that the programme is designed to equip teachers with modern, learner-centred phonics techniques to help children aged between four and seven progress from recognizing letters to reading simple sentences within four months.
Fasuluku further stated that the Ministry would closely monitor the implementation of the pilot programme. She also commended the Doctrina Foundation for providing teaching materials, books, and tablets to support classroom instruction.
The Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, Dr. Samba Moriba, called on teachers and education stakeholders to take collective action in improving literacy levels nationwide. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the workshop and share effective practices with colleagues in their respective schools, expressing optimism that the pilot initiative could eventually be expanded across the country.
Chief Executive Officer of the Doctrina Foundation, Mike Madsen, explained that the workshop introduced educators to a structured reading programme developed over 17 years in the United States. He said teachers were trained in the effective use of the programme’s materials ahead of the pilot phase scheduled to begin in September.
According to Madsen, the pilot programme will target 400 children, with the goal of helping them achieve Grade One reading proficiency within four months. He added that teachers who successfully complete the training will receive certification to implement the programme and train other educators.
Also speaking, Doctrina Foundation Area Director Ernest Gyampoh praised teachers for their commitment to shaping the future of children, describing educators as important agents of social transformation whose influence extends beyond the classroom.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participating teacher Martha Cecilia Mansaray said the training had improved her understanding of phonics-based instruction and reinforced the importance of helping children master the alphabet and letter sounds before combining them to form words. She pledged to share the knowledge acquired with other teachers.
Another participant, Unisa Kamara, said the workshop introduced innovative approaches to lower primary education, including alphabet songs, interactive classroom activities, handwriting exercises, and structured phonics lessons aimed at improving literacy outcomes among young learners.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort to address early-grade reading challenges in Sierra Leone by strengthening teachers’ capacity and promoting effective literacy instruction in primary schools.