Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey has emphasized the significance of the Peace Corps' long-standing partnership with Sierra Leone, highlighting its 64-year contribution to the country's education sector. The partnership, which began in 1962, has seen the Peace Corps walk alongside Sierra Leone through various challenges, including independence, conflict, the Ebola outbreak, and the country's recovery. This enduring relationship reflects a shared commitment to the dignity and education of every child.
The Peace Corps has currently deployed eight volunteers to teach in Sierra Leonean classrooms, focusing on English in elementary schools and Mathematics and Science in junior and secondary schools. According to Minister Sackey, these volunteers work alongside local teachers, sharing knowledge and skills to strengthen teaching and learning. This collaboration aims to improve pupils' understanding of English, Mathematics, and Science, while also broadening their future possibilities.
Minister Sackey stressed that the Peace Corps volunteers are not in Sierra Leone to replace local teachers but to complement their efforts. He described the partnership as an opportunity for knowledge and skills to be shared across national boundaries. The Minister also outlined several areas of collaboration, including the deployment of new volunteers to Port Loko and Kono Districts, where communities have been waiting for the programme's support.
The Minister highlighted the pairing of Peace Corps volunteers with Sierra Leonean teachers to ensure that skills and knowledge remain in schools even after volunteers complete their assignments. Additionally, partner support is being directed towards areas where pupils need it most, particularly foundational literacy, numeracy, and science. This strategic approach aims to address the specific needs of Sierra Leone's education sector.
Minister Sackey assured the people of Port Loko and Kono that their communities and children have not been forgotten, emphasizing that every child deserves access to quality education. He described education as "the architecture of freedom," enabling nations to think independently, create, and dream beyond their circumstances. According to the Minister, every Peace Corps volunteer and Sierra Leonean teacher plays a vital role in realizing this vision.
Reiterating the Krio saying, "One hand cannot tie a bundle," Minister Sackey emphasized the importance of collaboration between teachers, nations, and generations in building an unbreakable promise of quality education for every child in Sierra Leone. He expressed his commitment to this cause, stating, "This is our work. This is our honour. And this is only the beginning."
The partnership between the Peace Corps and Sierra Leone's education sector has yielded significant benefits, contributing to stronger teaching and learning outcomes. As the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education continues to work with the Peace Corps and other partners, the focus remains on ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to quality education, ultimately building a brighter future for the nation.
Key points
- Minister Conrad Sackey highlights the 64-year partnership between Peace Corps and Sierra Leone's education sector.
- Eight Peace Corps volunteers currently teach in Sierra Leonean classrooms, focusing on English, Mathematics, and Science.
- The partnership aims to improve teaching and learning outcomes, particularly in foundational literacy, numeracy, and science.
