The National Partnership for Social Accountability (NPSA) has called for increased community involvement in school governance, citing evidence that active School Management Committees (SMCs) improve education outcomes.

At a position paper launch held Friday at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, NPSA presented findings from a two-year EU-funded project involving over 200 schools in Falaba, Karene, Tonkolili, Moyamba, and Western Rural. The report shows that when communities are empowered to manage schools, accountability and student performance improve.

“Accountability, transparency, and citizen participation are the keys to transforming our schools,” said Hajie Bah, District Manager for the WARDEU project.

The data highlights notable improvements in schools where SMCs were revitalized:

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72% of project schools had active SMCs, compared to 59% of non-supported schools.

Over 80% developed School Improvement Plans (SIPs), double that of others.

WASH goals rose from 20% to 36%, while control schools stayed at 18%.

Updated cashbooks were found in 80% of project schools, up from below 50%.

Teacher retention improved from 79% to 87% due to community support.

The report also notes a drop in school absenteeism among menstruating girls—from 60% to 36%—following community sensitization efforts. Retention rates also increased to 97% in 2024, while regular attendance tracking rose to 53%, compared to 34% in control schools.

NPSA recommends nationwide SMC training, integration of community monitoring into education planning, and prioritizing menstrual hygiene in school WASH programs.

“This should be the beginning of a new chapter,” Bah said. “Communities must be trusted and equipped to lead education reform.”

The event gathered education stakeholders, civil society representatives, and journalists, all backing the push for a citizen-driven approach to improving Sierra Leone’s education system.