Education in Sierra Leone: Present Challenges, Future Opportunities

After a decade-long civil war, Sierra Leone witnessed an unprecedented surge in school enrollments at the primary and then the secondary levels. Committed to the Education for All objectives, the government further encouraged greater access to school. The country must now negotiate the transition from postwar recovery to regular delivery of education services. The main tasks ahead include reaching the remaining out-of-school children and improving the quality of the learning environment and, ultimately, of learning outcomes. Success will depend on the unrelenting, strong commitment of the government, the capacity of providers to effectively deliver education services, and a sustainable financial framework.Aimed at policy makers and practitioners, this report uses the lastest census, survey, and administrative data to explore the current status of the education sector. Prepared in collaboration with Sierra Leone's Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, the report emphasizes the needs of the poor, as well as the elimination of disparities across regions, between urban and rural areas, and between boys and girls. It also lays an analytical foundation for the preparation of a long-term strategy for the education sector.