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A decade-long partnership between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the UK-funded Leh Wi Lan (LwL) programme has officially come to a close, marking a significant milestone in the country’s education sector.
At a close-out event attended by the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, development partners, and education stakeholders, reflections centred on the programme’s achievements in expanding access to safer, inclusive, and quality education nationwide.
Over the past ten years, Leh Wi Lan has supported key reforms, including the launch of the National Referral Protocol on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), strengthening school leadership, advancing teacher development, and promoting inclusive education. These initiatives have laid critical foundations for a stronger and more resilient education system.
The programme’s impact has been far-reaching:
– Girls’ enrolment in secondary schools has increased significantly.
– Opportunities for children with disabilities have expanded.
– Education institutions nationwide have enhanced their capacity to deliver quality learning.
Through initiatives such as the School Leadership Programme and the training of Inclusion Champions, schools are now better equipped to support learners and foster safer, more inclusive environments.
Speaking at the event, UK representatives expressed pride in the partnership: “The UK is proud to have supported this journey and thanks the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Teaching Service Commission, Mott MacDonald, and all stakeholders whose collaboration has improved educational opportunities for children and young people across Sierra Leone.”
While UK support to Leh Wi Lan has ended, the progress achieved and partnerships built over the past decade are expected to continue shaping the future of education in Sierra Leone.
