Minister of Internal Affairs Holds Crisis Talks on Drug Abuse, Gender-Based Violence in Schools

Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting today at his Gloucester Street office in Freetown to tackle the growing crisis of drug abuse and gender-based violence in school campuses.

The emergency discussions were triggered by intelligence reports indicating that illicit drugs are being sold within school premises, posing a major threat to students. Stakeholders expressed alarm over the escalating incidents of drug use and sexual violence among school-going children.

Key issues addressed included identifying challenges in curbing drug abuse and gender-based violence in schools and implementing effective measures to combat them.

The meeting concluded with a resolution for a follow-up engagement on February 10, 2025, between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Basic & Senior Secondary Education. This session will include critical stakeholders such as the Conference of Principals and other education sector players to develop concrete strategies for tackling the crisis in learning institutions.