~Business ~
Education Excellence in Sierra Leone
F
or the large majority of us who grew up
in Sierra Leone in the 1960s, the foundation for our educational principles was laid
by our predecessors as their gift to us. We
returned the gift of learning by passing on
goods and resources to the next generation.
However, if a system is failing at one of the
most important infrastructures afforded to its
people, that of education, changes have to be
made.
department with the authority to reform the
system. They should come up with a blueprint not a white paper to implement education strategies with full transparency and accountability. Allocate long term capital investment for new buildings that support elementary, secondary, technical, college and
university programs. Libraries and textbooks are virtually non-existent in the
schools. We must endow in public libraries
where school children can go and find solace
To understand why the educational system is to ready or study. Renovate existing strucfailing Sierra Leonean children let me inject tures to bring them up to standards. Many
a brief historical prospective into the discus- schools do not have the basic living essension. Following thirty years of ruinous mis- tials such as running water and adequate toimanagement topped with years of brutal civil let facilities. Demolish dilapidated buildings
war and cross border conflict, Sierra Leone deemed hazardous to the safety and health of
has been left in a profound economic crisis. the children.
The extremity is still manifested today in
corruption, nepotism and crony capitalism.
These are long-term projects; but we have to
The rush to accumulate illegal wealth by un- start now. Investing in educational excelscrupulous politicians and some government lence will not only strengthen the children of
officials has relegated education to the botSierra Leone. This effort would spur growth
tom of the pit. The challenge that continues in high-tech jobs, banking and finance, medito perplex the country is to do what is right, cine, engineering and technology. We cannot
act out the good and speak to the truth.
attain sustainability in growth and equity for
our people unless we effectively address the
Education is civilization. The success and
most critical issues at hand, one of which is
progress of any nation depends on the formal education. In the words of the Great
education of its people. In the current enviMalcolm X Hajji Malik Shabba, education is
ronment, education is skewed towards the
the key to our future, and tomo rrow belongs
haves who can afford to provide quality edu- to those who prepare for it today.
cation for their children at private schools
with tutors.
Authored by Chief Alhaji Gibril KudaMansaray, MPA,
Something has to be done to address the edu- Educator & Entrecational crisis. Sierra Leone has to exercise preneur
diligence in making a huge investment to the Haja Jennifer Kudamost precious resource of human capital,
Mansaray, MHR,
brain power. The Ministry of Education
Human Resources
should be placed into a receivership, sancProfessional
tioned by the legislators and endorsed by the
President to do a complete overhaul of the
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