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The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Conrad Sackey, has ordered the immediate removal of all abandoned vehicles from school compounds nationwide, describing them as dangerous hazards that threaten the lives of pupils.
The directive followed an unannounced visit by Minister Sackey to Vine Memorial Secondary School, where he stressed that no child’s life should ever put at risk within a learning environment.
Recalling the tragic and avoidable deaths of two pupils at National Pentecostal Primary School last year, the Minister said the incident must never be repeated.
“All abandoned vehicles in school compounds must be removed,” Minister Sackey stated, emphasizing that the directive is non-negotiable. He announced that schools have been given one week to comply.
Acknowledging that the exercise may pose financial challenges for some schools, Minister Sackey assured school authorities of full support from his office, including engagement with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and other relevant agencies to facilitate the removal process.
“The safety of our children is a sacred duty. We have lost two already. We will not lose more,” he said.
Beyond safety, the Minister outlined plans to strengthen Technical and Vocational (Tech-Voc) education as part of broader reforms within the education sector. He disclosed that potential partners are prepared to invest in initiatives designed to align education with labour market demands.
Proposed focus areas include tourism, hospitality, customer service, and agriculture, with plans for schools to establish mock hotels, training kitchens, and agricultural hubs to equip students with practical, certified skills.
Minister Sackey added that such facilities could also serve as income-generating ventures for schools by opening them to industry partners outside regular school hours.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with educators and stakeholders to transform lessons from past tragedies into a safer, smarter, and more skills-driven future for Sierra Leone’s students.
