Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, declared that the government would implement a 15% salary increment for teachers across the country starting in January 2024.

During the Presidential National Best Teacher Awards 2023, awards ceremony held over the weekend, Dr. Sengeh expressed his pride in representing H.E President Bio as Chief Minister at this significant event. Two national winners of the awards received NLe45,000 and a piece of land each. Dr. Sengeh conveyed President Bio’s commitment to enhancing teachers’ salaries by 15% in 2024, reaffirming it as part of their manifesto pledges under the SLPP Government.

The event celebrated exceptional educators like Madam Bangura, with 18 years of service, who said, “I feel proud and excited to be named the Best Primary school teacher of the Kambia district for 2023. It is a motivating factor for me to do more in my work as a teacher.

Mr. Kamara, an 11-year veteran, shared, “I feel honored to be a winner of this year’s Presidential National Best Teacher Awards. This shows that the classroom is a place to be. Teaching is a career and not just a dumping ground. I know this will motivate other teachers to do their best.”

His Excellency Presidential Dr. Julius Maada Bio, emphasizing the importance of recognizing teachers, presented the National Best Teachers’ Award to winners, each receiving NLe40,000 and land. He highlighted the critical role teachers play in the success of the Free Quality Education program and announced the Presidential Initiative for Teachers, including the Presidential National Best Teacher Awards Scheme to honor innovative and dedicated educators.

This year’s Presidential National Best Teacher Awards, held on October 5, 2023, coinciding with World Teachers’ Day, featured a record-breaking 1,037 nominations nationwide, showcasing the highest participation in the competition’s history. Thirty-two district winners emerged from the 320 shortlisted candidates, and ten regional winners were selected. From these, two national winners were recognized.

Mr. Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, underscored the significance of teachers in shaping the nation’s future and applauded their contributions. Dr. Abdu Muwonge, the World Bank’s Country Manager for Sierra Leone, commended the government’s commitment to education and the impactful award ceremony.

The Presidential National Best Teacher Awards aim to acknowledge teachers’ pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s development, promote excellence among educators, and contribute to the nation’s human and economic growth, as stated by Mr. Sorie Turay, the Secretary of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).