By Francis H. Murray
The Annual School Census Report has revealed that close to 700, 000 children across in Sierra Leone enrolled in to schools in 2019.
The report which was launched last Friday by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) revealed that a huge chunk of that number was enrolled in primary schools.
The survey collected data on schools, educational facilities and teacher deployments.
According to its findings, enrolment at pre-primary level increased by 40, 000, that is 44.1%; and enrolment at primary level increased by 403, 000, which is 29.4%. Enrolment at Junior Secondary school level also increased by 136, 000, which is 43.2%, while at Senior Secondary school level enrolment increased by 99, 000, representing 47.9%. All figures are compared to the 2018 figures.
The 2019 data also revealed that about 47, 965 pupils in the four levels of schooling are children with special needs, ranging from hearing difficulties to speech disorder, to visual and physical disabilities.
The overall outcome of the study highlights the need for much needed investment to cater for the growing needs in the education sector.
The report is expected to serve as a guide for the government in developing policies based on data driven decision making and planning in order to address the needs of the sector.
The data is crucial to the government’s Free Quality Education program. Education is the flagship program of the government, with more than 20% of the budget dedicated to the sector.
In his address to parliament last month, President Julius Maada Bio reiterated his support to the sector by announcing a continued 21percent budget allocation to the sector whiles recounting his achievements in the sector.
The school census report also reveals that there is an increase in the number of schools approved for government support, with over 83, 000 teachers working in the sector, among which 63, 501 teach in approved schools.
Schools in the country have been closed since March 31st as part of measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus disease.
The Teaching Service Commission, in partnership with the MBSSE, is rolling out a radio teaching program so that school children don’t miss out on their curriculum.
Copyright © 2020 Politico Online
