By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, has assured teachers across the country of the Government’s commitment to engaging them in constructive discussions on their welfare and other concerns affecting the teaching profession.
Minister Sackey gave the assurance while speaking on AYV’s Wake Up Salone programme on Sunday, October 4, 2026, ahead of the celebration of World Teachers’ Day.
He said the Government recognizes the important role teachers’ play in the development of Sierra Leone and remains committed to engaging them on issues affecting their welfare and professional wellbeing.
“We are on the table right now, and we are looking at the opportunity of having constructive discussions with our teachers on their welfare and all other concerns,” Minister Sackey said.
His statement comes as Sierra Leone joins the international community in marking World Teachers’ Day, which recognizes the contribution of teachers to society and highlights the importance of supporting educators.
The Minister said constructive engagement with teachers is important in addressing concerns within the education sector and finding common ground on issues affecting the teaching profession.
Teachers remain central to the country’s education system, particularly as the Government continues to implement reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education.
The welfare and professional wellbeing of teachers have remained key issues in discussions about the education sector, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of supporting teachers to improve the quality of learning in schools.
Minister Sackey said the ongoing engagement would provide an opportunity for education authorities and teachers to discuss welfare-related concerns and other challenges affecting the profession.
As Sierra Leone marks World Teachers’ Day, the Government’s commitment to dialogue is expected to strengthen collaboration with teachers and contribute to efforts to improve the education sector.
The Minister also highlighted the broader role of teachers in educating children, developing the future workforce and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development