The Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is demanding for the payment of overdue school fees subsidies for the 2023/2024 academic year.

The letter which is dated 30th July 2024 was addressed directly to the Minister, Conrad Sackey, highlighted the the Union’s urgent need for the payments to be made before the start of the new school year.

“On the directive of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sierra Leone Teachers Union, I write to draw your attention to the non-payment of school fees subsidy for third term 2023/2024 school year,” the letter stated. With schools currently closed, the Union is pressing for the Ministry to settle the outstanding subsidies to ensure a smooth transition into the 2024/2025 school year.

“The Union is urging the Ministry for payment of the outstanding school fees subsidy before the re-opening of schools,” the letter continued.

The Union emphasized the importance of timely payments to maintain the education system’s stability.

“It is expected that school fees subsidy should always be paid before or at the commencement of every school term,” the Union noted.

As the new school year approaches, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union is hopeful for a prompt resolution. “We look forward to the urgent payment of the backlog fees in order to ensure the smooth re-opening of schools,” the letter concluded.