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The Minister of Basic And Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE), Conrad Sackey witnessed a “beacon of hope” for the nation’s future with the launch of the Linguistics Students’ Association (LINGSA) at Fourah Bay College, over the weekend.
Minister Sackey highlighted the long-standing challenge many Sierra Leonean children face: viewing the English language not as a bridge to opportunity, but as a barrier. “We must, and we will, fix this foundational weakness,” he affirmed.
The birth of LINGSA marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to language education, moving from merely addressing a problem to strategically shaping the country’s future.
“Linguistics is not just about English grammar,” the Minister explained. “Think of languages as a set of powerful keys. Mastering English is the key to our national classroom and exam hall — the essential foundation we must strengthen.”
He added that learning French provides a “master key” to economic integration in West Africa, allowing Sierra Leoneans to compete alongside Francophone neighbors in the global market. Similarly, embracing Chinese (Mandarin) opens doors to the world’s second-largest economy, fostering trade, investment, and innovation.
Championing local languages, the Minister emphasized, safeguards the nation’s cultural heritage, keeping Sierra Leone’s history, identity, and traditions alive.
“The brilliant minds behind LINGSA are not just future grammarians; they are architects of access,” Minister Sackey stated. “They are building bridges that connect our rich heritage to global opportunities, and shaping a generation that doesn’t just speak, but connects, competes, and leads on the world stage.”
The Minister concluded by highlighting the holistic vision of this initiative: a future where every Sierra Leonean child is empowered with the “entire keychain” of languages, unlocking doors at home and abroad.
