Government Launches $15.3 Million Early Childhood Education Programme

The Government has launched a $15.3 million early childhood education programme aimed at improving learning outcomes for young children across Sierra Leone.

The initiative, known as the Salone Pekin fo Play en Lan Outcome Fund Programme, targets children aged between three and five years and is expected to benefit approximately 30,000 children nationwide.

Speaking at the Government Weekly Press Conference, Presidential Spokesman Alpha Khan emphasized the importance of investing in early childhood development, describing it as critical to building a strong educational foundation.

He said the programme will support 87 community-based early childhood education centres over the next three years, thereby expanding access to structured learning environments for young learners.

Dr. Khan noted that the initiative is being implemented by the Education Outcomes Fund in partnership with the Government through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.

He explained that the programme is designed to improve foundational learning, particularly in literacy and numeracy, while also strengthening community-based education systems.

The rollout forms part of broader government efforts to enhance the education sector and invest in human capital development at the earliest stages of learning.

Officials say the intervention is expected to improve educational outcomes and better prepare children for primary education, as the Government continues to prioritize inclusive and quality education across the country.