MBSSE Strengthens Grievance Reporting Systems Across Pujehun Schools

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) in Pujehun District has conducted a refresher training for members of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Committee to strengthen the prevention, reporting and handling of crimes and misconduct in schools.

Held at the District Library in Pujehun Town, the training brought together education stakeholders and committee members from institutions including TSE, PDC, FSU, PWD, MoGCA, MoSW and ONS. The session focused on improving participants’ understanding of the GRM and their responsibilities in handling complaints, safeguarding learners and promoting safe and inclusive schools.

Facilitator Florence Sandy, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in Pujehun District, said the training strengthened committee members’ capacity to identify, receive, document and appropriately refer grievances involving learners, teachers and other members of the school community. She also stressed the importance of confidentiality, fairness, accountability and timely responses.

Sandy emphasised the need to create school environments where children can learn without fear of violence, abuse, discrimination, bullying, harassment or other crimes.

Meanwhile, Yusuf Abdulai Kamara, Deputy Director of MBSSE in Pujehun District, called for stronger collaboration among school authorities, parents, community leaders, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to prevent and respond to incidents affecting learners’ safety and wellbeing.

He disclosed that the programme is supported by the World Bank through the Free Quality Education Project, reaffirming MBSSE’s commitment to working with schools and communities to protect children.

Maindu Tshombie, Measurements and Evaluation Officer at Pujehun District Council, welcomed the training and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen grievance reporting systems and ensure complaints are handled responsibly and according to established procedures.

MBSSE stressed that an effective GRM is essential for ensuring that concerns raised by learners and other members of the school community are heard and addressed, contributing to safer, more protective and conducive learning environments.

The training forms part of broader efforts by education authorities and partners to improve school governance, strengthen child protection and promote a culture of accountability and zero tolerance for violence and other crimes in schools.

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