Minister Sackey Stipulates Focus on Foundational Literacy Reform
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, has announced that foundational literacy will be the central pillar of the nation’s next wave of educational reforms, building upon dramatic gains in school enrollment achieved since 2018.
Speaking during a fireside conversation with Dr. Geetha Murali, CEO of Room to Read, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), Sackey highlighted the progress made while emphasizing the urgent need to address core learning challenges.
Sackey noted that school enrollment in Sierra Leone expanded from 37 percent in 2018 to 85 percent today. While celebrating this dramatic broadening of educational access, he acknowledged that ensuring early grade reading and learning proficiency remains a critical hurdle.
“That’s the crisis I’m solving. That’s why I’m here,” Sackey remarked.
To tackle the issue, the ministry is mobilizing resources to strengthen foundational literacy programs spanning pre-primary through Grade Four. The updated initiative also prioritizes inclusive access for girls and children with disabilities, alongside structured ongoing support for educators.
In his address to international stakeholders, Sackey stressed the importance of sustainable, long-term investments over piecemeal development efforts.
“Real partners aren’t looking for pilots and press releases. They’re willing to be patient with systems,” he urged, advocating for financing aligned with a single national plan that spans beyond election cycles and short-term project windows.
The Minister argued that Sierra Leone needs sustained financing aligned with one national education plan and maintained beyond individual funding cycles and election periods.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the sector, Sackey shared that four generations of his family have worked as educators. This background, he explained, instills his conviction that teaching represents a deep commitment to children’s futures rather than merely a profession.
The discussion at Room to Read followed another high-level session in New York focused on inclusive education, where the Minister outlined targeted efforts to remove historical barriers preventing marginalized groups from accessing and finishing school.
Concluding his remarks, Sackey emphasized that the ultimate measure of Sierra Leone’s educational success lies not only in getting children into classrooms, but in empowering them with the foundational skills necessary to thrive.
Comments