The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), in collaboration with the Free Education Project Secretariat, is working with school heads nationwide to implement Action Plans aimed at promoting inclusive education for children with special needs. The initiative, part of the Government’s National Policy on Radical Inclusion in Schools, is spearheaded by Mohamed Salieu Jalloh, MBSSE’s Assistant Director of Special Needs, Abdul Sawab Bakarr, Policy Component Coordinator at the Free Education Project Secretariat, and Holima Abraham Samai, Inclusive Education Specialist.

The Action Plans are the result of a nationwide training program for teachers, designated as Radical Inclusion Champions, who are tasked with ensuring that children with disabilities, those from low-income families, and other marginalized groups are given equal access to education. Nearly 300 teachers across Bo, Kenema, Bombali, Kambia, Tonkolili, and Kono Districts have been trained so far.

During a recent visit to schools in Kono and Tonkolili Districts, Bakarr emphasized that the champions will play a critical role in implementing the Radical Inclusion Policy. Their duties include identifying children at risk of dropping out, such as pregnant schoolgirls and children from remote areas, and ensuring they receive the necessary support to stay in school.

Samai highlighted that the training focused on key areas like developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and adapting classroom environments to meet the diverse needs of all pupils. The trained champions will also monitor the well-being of special needs pupils in both their schools and communities to prevent any harmful behaviors that may hinder their education.

In Kambia District, Foday Kamara, head teacher at KDEC Primary School in Rogberay Village, admitted that prior to the training, his school had treated pregnant girls unfairly. He pledged to work with community leaders to provide better support. Similarly, in Tonkolili District, Roman Catholic Primary School’s head teacher, John Idrissa Fulla, recognized the need to offer more assistance to pupils with learning difficulties.

Deputy Director of Education in Kono District, Prince Patrick Ngebeh, praised the initiative, acknowledging that it would strengthen efforts to support children with disabilities in the region.

The nationwide project marks a significant step toward the MBSSE’s goal of making education inclusive and accessible to all.