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As the new academic year approaches, teachers in Sierra Leone are facing unprecedented challenges that could disrupt the education system if left unaddressed. Advocacy for the Voiceless Sierra Leoneans (AVSL), a civil society and human rights organization, has sounded the alarm, calling on the government to take urgent action to mitigate these issues before the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
At the forefront of these challenges are the difficulties faced by teachers, who are struggling with poor working conditions, inconsistent pay, and lack of resources. The suspension or removal of over 5,000 teachers from the government payroll has further exacerbated the situation, leaving many without a stable income. Moreover, the delayed payment of school subsidies has hindered the ability of schools to provide adequate teaching and learning materials, putting a significant burden on teachers.
The recent meetings held by school leaders and education bodies in different regions, including Bombali, Kono, Kailahun, and Freetown, highlighted the gravity of these issues. Representatives from the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, the National Council of Head Teachers, and the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union converged to discuss the pressing concerns, which also include inaccurate public examination records and poor infrastructure.
AVSL is urging the government to provide a fair and consistent salary increase for all principals and teachers, as well as reinstate all verified teachers who were removed from the payroll without cause. The organization is also advocating for the removal of ghost names from the payroll system to ensure transparency and proper allocation of funds.
In addition to these demands, AVSL is calling for improved working conditions under the Free Quality Education programme, including the provision of necessary tools and learning materials, allowances, and support services. The organization is also seeking better representation of teachers’ interests, citing concerns about the effectiveness of the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union in serving its members.
The failure to address these concerns in a timely manner could have severe consequences, including the potential for teachers and principals to remain at home rather than return to classrooms under current conditions. This would not only disrupt the education system but also undermine the nation’s progress, as education is a critical component of national development.
AVSL is reminding the government and the public that teachers and principals are the foundation of the education system, and supporting them should be treated as a national priority. The organization is urging the government to take immediate action to address these challenges and ensure that the education sector is adequately equipped to provide quality education to all students.
