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ChildFund Sierra Leone, during the Annual Celebration of Education (ACE) in Makeni, presented the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Framework to its education partners.
The event, held at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), brought together officials from the Ministry of Education, university authorities, development partners, and students to deliberate on integrating SEL into Sierra Leone’s national school curriculum.
ChildFund’s Education Advisor for Sierra Leone and The Gambia, Bando Marah, showcased findings from the organization’s global program, Education for Protection and Well-being (EPW).
The EPW program seeks to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and promote holistic child development. The findings highlighted the importance of SEL in equipping children, caregivers, and educators with essential skills to build resilience, foster healthy relationships, and address challenges effectively.
Speaking at the event, ChildFund representatives stressed the significance of embedding SEL into the curriculum, stating:
“The development of SEL skills is crucial for children to overcome challenges, build healthy relationships, and thrive academically and socially. Integrating SEL into the national curriculum will empower Sierra Leone to cultivate emotionally intelligent and resilient learners.”
In response to growing interest from education stakeholders, ChildFund has expanded the EPW program from one district to four—Koinadugu, Falaba, Bombali, and Kailahun. This expansion demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in addressing the emotional and social needs of children and its potential to improve educational outcomes nationwide.
Additionally, ChildFund is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to develop a national SEL framework for primary schools and Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs). This initiative aims to institutionalize SEL, ensuring children across Sierra Leone benefit from an education system that prioritizes emotional well-being alongside academic success.
The presentation underscored ChildFund’s commitment to building strong partnerships with education stakeholders to drive sustainable and impactful reforms. As ACE Week discussions continue, hopes are high that this initiative will gain the necessary momentum for nationwide adoption, setting the stage for a more inclusive and supportive education system.
With the introduction of the SEL framework, ChildFund and its partners are paving the way for a transformative approach to education in Sierra Leone. By prioritizing social and emotional learning, the country can achieve holistic child development and create an education system that addresses the needs of every learner.
