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Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, made a surprise visit to a school after a video showing students allegedly being flogged was widely shared on social media.
In the video, school children were seen outside, and a table was set up where each child had to lie down to be flogged. The woman who recorded the video said she had been witnessing this happening every day and decided to report it.
Minister Sackey visited the school with the Chief Education Officer, Mr. Edward Kpakra, officials from the Teaching Service Commission, and the Coordinator of the Free Quality School Education program. The team went to find out exactly what happened.
At the school, Minister Sackey and officials first met with the school’s management and teaching staff to understand the context of the video. During the visit, the Minister met with the woman who filmed the scene. He spoke with her and said it was important to gather information from all parties involved. She shared her account, and the headmistress and teachers were present during the discussion.
The headmistress clarified that the school does not condone or engage in corporal punishment. According to her account, the video was recorded when pupils were assembled outside following a parent’s complaint not during any act of flogging. However, Minister Sackey understands how the footage could easily be misinterpreted by the public.
He reminded school staff and the public that the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Act of 2023 clearly bans corporal punishment and all forms of harsh or degrading treatment in schools. The Government of Sierra Leone has a zero-tolerance policy on corporal punishment and all forms of abuse in schools. This policy applies across all educational institutions, public or private.
Minister Sackey said a full investigation would be carried out. If the claims are confirmed, the Ministry will take action against those responsible.
Minister Sackey said it is his duty to ensure that learning environments remain safe and supportive of every child’s growth and dignity.
The visit is part of ongoing efforts to make schools safe and respectful learning spaces for all students in Sierra Leone.
Calling a place of learning a sticking school? From my side your offence is bigger than those teachers that were flogging as you claimed.
Minister should take action against you, your talking seems like you have a grievance for the school.