Draft of the Education Bill, 2023 proposes imprisonment or fine for Parents who may deprive their children of basic education and the unauthorized establishment of schools which will attract fines.

According to a report on the review of the 2004 Education Act, “A parent, including a guardian, who neglects to send their child/ward to school for basic education will commit an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment.”

The review seeks to provide a broad-based, accessible and relevant education for all children from pre-primary to senior secondary school.

The review is to consider inclusive education that is disability-friendly, as well as encourage pregnant girls, parent learners, children from the poorest homes, and children in rural areas and underserved communities to stay in and complete school and enjoy all the facilities.

It will also look at the structure of the country’s education system (6-3-3-4) to make provision for pre-primary (7-3-3-4 or 1-6-3-3-4), which means every child age 5, irrespective of physical and financial difficulties, guarantee one year pre-school funded by the government.

On the 17th of February 2023, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) concluded a nationwide consultation on the first draft of the Education Bill, 2023. The Regional consultation took place in Kenema, Bo, Makeni, Port Loko and Freetown with students, teachers, school proprietors, civil society representatives, traditional leaders and other education stakeholders in the country. Modafinil

The consultative meeting was to seek the views of stakeholders on all of the themes put together (some of which are stated above) in the draft of the 2023 Education Bill.

The Lead Consultant in the review process Professor Joe A.D. Alie confirmed that the policy documents and education and other sector plans from Ministries were carefully examined to provide the theoretical framework necessary for drafting the Bill.

Meanwhile, a validation workshop on the second draft is to take place in Freetown following the regional consultations.