By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Social Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), and with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the country’s first national training programme for teachers and social workers aimed at strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services for children and adolescents.
The two-day training, held on Thursday, 30 July 2026, at the Event View Centre along the Bo-Taiama Highway in Bo City, brought together teachers, social workers, education officials, child protection practitioners and development partners under the theme: “Strengthening National Systems for the Provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services to Children and Adolescents.”
Addressing participants, the Director of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Mr. Ansu Konneh, described the initiative as a significant step towards improving the mental and emotional wellbeing of children across Sierra Leone.
He explained that the main objective of the training is to equip teachers and social workers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify children and adolescents experiencing mental health and psychosocial challenges, provide initial support and ensure timely referral to appropriate services.
According to Mr. Konneh, the initiative will also strengthen collaboration among the social welfare, education and health sectors, helping to establish a sustainable national system capable of responding effectively to the mental health needs of children and adolescents.
“Our children cannot learn effectively if their mental and emotional wellbeing is not addressed. This engagement is about building systems that protect and support them,” he said.
Representing the Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Senior Assistant Secretary Madam Abibatu Sheriff reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every child learns in a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment where mental health, emotional wellbeing and overall development are prioritised.
She noted that learners’ wellbeing is central to improving educational outcomes and achieving the Government’s Human Capital Development Agenda.
Madam Sheriff explained that the initiative aligns with the MBSSE Act, 2023, which provides for guidance and counselling services, promotes child-friendly schools and supports learners with mental health needs while advancing inclusive and learner-centred education across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Social Welfare Madam Melrose Kaminty described the training as a historic milestone, noting that it represents the first national engagement bringing together teachers and social workers to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services within schools.
She expressed appreciation to UNICEF for supporting the initiative, stating that the project aims to build national capacity to deliver quality, coordinated and child-sensitive psychosocial support and case management services through a trained and professionally supervised social service workforce.
Minister Kaminty disclosed that the UNICEF-funded pilot project will initially train 50 teachers and social workers who will provide non-specialised psychological support to children and adolescents experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in communities across the country by the end of 2026.
“The connection between mental health and academic performance is an important aspect of a student’s overall wellbeing and learning journey,” she said.
She emphasised that positive mental health enhances resilience, emotional regulation, concentration and learning abilities, all of which contribute to improved academic performance. She added that early identification and intervention are critical to ensuring children receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
During the training, participants were introduced to key areas including mental health and psychosocial support in schools, the role of teachers and social workers in early identification and referral of vulnerable children, strengthening referral pathways between schools, health facilities and social welfare services, policy alignment with national child protection and education frameworks, and the importance of family and community involvement in promoting children’s wellbeing.
Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and highly relevant to addressing the growing need for mental health support among children and adolescents. They pledged to share the knowledge and skills acquired with colleagues in their respective districts to promote wider implementation of mental health and psychosocial support services in schools and communities nationwide.