MBSSE Urges Parents and Pupils to Prepare as Schools Resume Fully After Strike

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has called on pupils and parents across Sierra Leone to prepare for a full return to school today, Monday, September 2025, following the resolution of a recent teachers’ strike.

The Ministry acknowledged the disruption caused by the industrial action and assured the public that the Government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted learning for every child.

The strike was called off after constructive dialogue involving the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU), its Sub-Associations, the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (CPSS), the National Council of Head Teachers (NaCOHT), the Council of Heads of Technical and Vocational Institutions (CHTVI), and the Nursery Schools Association (NSA).

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh played a key role in mediating between the Government and education stakeholders, while President Dr. Julius Maada Bio was recognized for his continued support of education initiatives.

The Ministry said the Government has already addressed several immediate concerns raised during the strike, including:

Payment of Subsidies: Second and third term school fees for the 2024/2025 academic year have been disbursed, with outstanding cases under verification.

Payroll Reinstatements: Of 4,662 suspended teachers, 1,802 have been reinstated, with back payments for July and August processed and September payments scheduled.

High-Level Committees: A Joint Committee comprising the Office of the Vice President, MBSSE, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labour, the Teaching Service Commission, and SLTU has been established to address remaining issues.

The Ministry commended the patience and resilience of teachers, parents, and pupils during the strike and emphasized that education is a shared responsibility.

MBSSE has urged all teachers to return to classrooms immediately to ensure learning continues without further delay, noting that collaboration between authorities and communities is key to strengthening Sierra Leone’s education system.