The Sierra Leone Teachers Union, in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), has highlighted concerns regarding the non-payment of school fee subsidies for the second and third terms of the ongoing school year 2023/2024.”

The Letter, issued on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Union, emphasizes the critical need for timely disbursement of funds to educational institutions.

The Union also raised alarm over the delay in releasing Performance-Based Financing (PBF) funds for schools, adding to the financial strain faced by educators and administrators across the country. This delay, they assert, could have detrimental effects on the smooth operation of schools and the overall quality of education provided to students.

Furthermore, the Union underscored the potential impact of these outstanding payments on the government’s flagship program of Free Quality Education. Failure to address the issue promptly, they warned, may undermine the effectiveness of the initiative and hinder progress towards providing accessible and high-quality education for all Sierra Leonean children.

The Letter concluded with a plea for urgent action from relevant authorities to expedite the payment of outstanding school fees subsidies and Performance-Based Financing funds. The Union stressed that timely disbursement of these funds is essential for ensuring a peaceful and successful closure of the current school year.