Conrad Sackey, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) of Sierra Leone, along with the Cuban Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Madam Norma Sanchez Aguila, recently held discussions on potential collaborative efforts in the education sector.

The meeting highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two nations, with Cuba providing crucial medical support to Sierra Leone during health emergencies like the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sackey acknowledged Cuba’s reputation for excellence in medical education, highlighting the recent success of three Sierra Leonean medical students who topped their class at a Cuban university. He further commended Cuba’s commitment to education, evidenced by one of the highest literacy rates globally.

The Minister expressed particular interest in Cuba’s groundbreaking literacy program, “Yo, sí puedo” (“Yes, I Can”), which has achieved remarkable results in tackling illiteracy worldwide.

He emphasized: “I am greatly looking forward to building on this discussion and exploring new avenues for Cuba to support the strengthening of our education system here in Sierra Leone.”

The Minister aims to ensure the protection of free and quality education, encouraging every child to participate in the national school system.