The Youth Engagement Network (YEN) Sierra Leone, with support from Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO), has revealed the findings of a “Scorecard” research survey assessing the barriers limiting children’s access to quality education in Pujehun District. The research was presented to community stakeholders, shedding light on the significant challenges children, parents, and teachers face in achieving quality education in the district.

Willimina Gboka, Champion of YEN, explained that the research followed VSO’s standard procedures, using a grading system that ranged from 2 to 5. Conducted in five communities-Saama Sowonde, Mallay, Kassay, Mosineh, and Pujehun Town-some of which are riverine and difficult to access, the study focused on evaluating children’s access to education. The “Scorecard” tool asked about social accountability factors, including school attendance and district-level educational visits.

The findings highlighted numerous obstacles that prevent children from fully benefiting from the Free Qua
lity Education initiative. A key issue was the lack of parental involvement, with many parents unable to monitor their children’s pressing responsibilities. Children are often encouraged to participate in income-generating activities like farming or fishing, which detracts from their education.

The study also revealed teachers’ challenges, particularly the lack of incentives. Many teachers in these communities are volunteers, and the absence of proper remuneration impacts their ability to provide quality education. Classroom management remains an issue, with schools often needing more teaching staff. Some schools have only one or two teachers for all grades, leading to overcrowded and chaotic classrooms. As a result, many volunteer teachers migrate to larger towns for better opportunities.

Another finding was the need for more monitoring and supervision of schools. Pujehun District has just six School Quality Assurance Officers overseeing more than 370 schools, making it difficult to maintain educational st
andards, especially in remote riverine areas.

Gboka also drew attention to the high rates of early pregnancy and marriage, which continue to disrupt the education of young girls in rural communities. These challenges and poor external examination results are significant hurdles for the region’s children who struggle to pass the National Primary School Examination.

Alimamy Kamara, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Pujehun District, acknowledged that the survey findings were accurate and comprehensive. He emphasized the importance of parental engagement and school leadership in improving the educational experience. Kamara also stressed the urgent need for increased monitoring personnel in the district, urging stakeholders to take ownership of their local schools to ensure success.

Chiefdom Speaker Sylvester Minda Kamara echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the burden poverty places on families and the pressure for children to contribute to household income. Despite these h
ardships, he affirmed the district’s commitment to promoting education for all children.

With support from VSO, YEN-Sierra Leone continues its efforts to empower communities and promote quality education across four districts, including Pujehun, Kailahun, Western Rural, and Western Urban. The organization emphasizes the importance of collective community action in addressing these barriers and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn.

Source: Sierra Leone News Agency