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In a landmark move to strengthen emotional intelligence and social skills among children, ChildFund Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministries of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), has officially launched the National Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Technical Working Group.
The initiative, unveiled at a ceremony at Country Lodge on Thursday, March 20, aims to integrate SEL into Sierra Leone’s education system, ensuring a more holistic approach to child development.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, emphasized the importance of SEL in shaping children’s futures beyond academic excellence. “Investing in Social Emotional Learning ensures that children develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and social skills—qualities just as crucial as academic excellence,” she stated. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that SEL becomes a core component of the country’s education system.
ChildFund’s SEL initiative focuses on essential life skills such as communication, emotional regulation, self-awareness, conflict resolution, relationship management, and decision-making. As part of the program, ChildFund is partnering with the Ministry of Education to develop a national SEL framework for primary schools and Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs), ensuring the institutionalization of SEL practices across all learning levels.
Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Hon. Emily Kadiatu Gogra, commended ChildFund’s dedication, acknowledging its longstanding partnership with the ministry in supporting education in hard-to-reach areas. “ChildFund is a household name within the Ministry of Education. We appreciate their dedication to reaching underserved communities and supporting the development of children, teachers, and schools,” she remarked.
The event also featured remarks from Aiah Mbayo, UNICEF’s Education Specialist for Foundational Learning, who praised ChildFund for leading the way in SEL and expressed UNICEF’s eagerness to collaborate on future initiatives.
To support the successful rollout of SEL programs, ChildFund Sierra Leone’s Country Director, Victor Kamara, donated computers and stationery to the Directorate of Curriculum and Research (MBSSE) and the Directorate of Research, Learning, and Development (MTHE).
He thanked the ministries for their collaboration and underscored ChildFund’s commitment to creating a learning environment that nurtures both academic and emotional growth.
The launch of the National SEL Technical Working Group marks a significant step toward embedding social-emotional learning into Sierra Leone’s education system, equipping children with the skills needed to navigate life with confidence, empathy, and resilience.
As the initiative unfolds, stakeholders anticipate lasting benefits for both students and educators, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environmentacross the country.
