Leh Wi Lan

06/08/2026

Last week, we celebrated something remarkable: a decade of positive transformation in education in .

We brought together government leaders, partners, and professionals to reflect on how far Sierra Leone's education sector has come and to look ahead to the opportunities still to come.

But this story isn't really about programmes or policies. Behind every milestone are dedicated individuals driving change every day: school leaders, teachers, district education officers, school quality assurance officers, government officials, partners, communities and civil society organisations.

Through their passion and commitment, we have supported Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL to strengthen the education system and expand opportunities for learners, especially schoolgirls and learners with disabilities.

Together, we have built strong foundations for safe, inclusive, quality learning, and laid the groundwork for progress that will continue to benefit learners for years to come.

📷Swipe through some highlights from the celebration!

UK in Sierra Leone

14/07/2026

Congratulations to the new cohort of School Leadership Programme (SLP) graduates!

Last week, we celebrated 300 school leaders from all 16 districts of reaching this important milestone. Over the past year, they have strengthened their leadership skills with a focus on inclusive education, learner safety, teaching quality and school improvement.

Delivered by the The Sierra Leone Teachers' Corner - TSC Sierra Leone in collaboration with Leh Wi Lan, the programme is helping ensure that secondary schools are led by capable and professional leaders who create safe, inclusive and effective learning environments.

Find out more about the programme at https://mbsseknowledgeplatform.gov.sl/material/school-leadership-programme/

If you are interested in applying for the programme, please contact your local TSC office. Be sure to act quickly, as the application deadline is 15 July!

UK in Sierra Leone

02/06/2026

Girls' and Boys' Clubs are now running in 300 more secondary schools!

These clubs are more than just after-school clubs.

They're safe space for pupils to learn, build confidence, develop healthy relationships and take a stand against violence and discrimination.

There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL to make this happen.

But now 600 more teachers have been trained to deliver the clubs and each school has two wind-up radios to play episodes and spark conversations.

And that means thousands more learners feeling safe, included and empowered.

UK in Sierra Leone

01/06/2026

During secondary school years, young people experience massive changes in the development of their brains, bodies and understanding of society.

They need support and understanding to choose healthy habits, attitudes and behaviours that will help them navigate life.

Over the past few years, we’ve been working with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL and UNFPA Sierra Leone to develop Child and Adolescent Health and Life Skills as a core subject in 50 pilot schools.

Together, we’ve trained teachers to deliver new lesson plans and coached them on how to discuss taboo topics with teenagers.

We also developed and distributed 2,100 subject handbooks to ensure learners have access to quality resources and can fully understand their lessons.

It doesn’t stop here.

As the LWL programme approaches closure, we have every faith that learning from our pilot will continue to support partners and future programmes to embed Child and Adolescent Health and Life Skills in schools across .

29/05/2026

What makes one of the greatest impacts on a girl's education?

Being able to manage her period with safety and dignity.

Girls in miss school for 20% of the academic year because they lack access to hygienic sanitary products.

With the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL, the Leh Wi Lan programme has distributed over half a million individual menstrual hygiene kits in secondary schools. And we've seen great impact on girls, including:

- Improved confidence
- Increase in school participation
- Better performance at school
- More likely to complete school

Girls deserve to get a great education - all month, every month.

UK in Sierra Leone

28/05/2026

Gathering quality data on school quality leads to better support for teachers and learners.

And we've just completed a big step to improve how data collection works in secondary schools.

Working with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL, we’ve upgraded software used by School Quality Assurance Officers and trained over 160 on the new system.

Now it’s easier to identify which schools need the most support, track improvement over time and make smarter decisions at the district level.

School data is more accurate, more connected, and more useful than ever. So every school can get the support it needs.

UK in Sierra Leone

27/05/2026

When teachers are supported to improve their professional skills and knowledge, learners reap the rewards.

Over 600 secondary schools across are now benefitting from a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL and Leh Wi Lan.

School leaders have been equipped to deliver four cycles of the programme to their teachers, with the most recent module focusing on how to strengthen learners’ literacy skills.

This marks important progress in contributing to strengthening teaching and learning practices, and professionalism of teachers in Sierra Leone.

Together, we are building stronger schools for every child.

UK in Sierra Leone

26/05/2026

The third annual survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) is ongoing!

Learners and teachers in Sierra Leone's secondary schools are answering questions about a wide range of topics - from experiences of violence and discrimination to safe relationships and sexual and reproductive health.

The findings of the survey are used to assess the effectiveness of activities, training and support provided to schools.

So, we know what works and where more targeted interventions are needed to inform safety, inclusion, and quality learning.

For findings from the previous KAP surveys, visit the MBSSE Education Knowledge Platform - link in the comments.

UK in Sierra Leone
Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL

08/03/2026

“Rights, justice, and action are not just a theme — they are a call for female teachers to lead boldly and intentionally,” says Jenteh about this year's International Women's Day.

As a secondary school leader in Ahmadiyya Agricultural Senior Secondary School Newton, she leads by example. Not just in her own inclusive teaching practice but also in her advocacy for female teachers and their ability to “rise to every level of leadership in education.”

Her skills and passion have been honed through her participation in the School Leadership Programme. Jenteh tells us that she's learned to work more collaboratively and be more intentional about improving safety, inclusion and teaching quality in her school.

But it also inspired one of her proudest achievements: the Shine Me Academy for Girls. Jenteh recently founded this mentorship initiative that empowers girls with skills, confidence and leadership to succeed in school and fulfil their potential.
Jenteh is an inspiration.

She's also simple proof that when women access leadership roles, everyone benefits — girls dream bigger, communities grow stronger and the world becomes a little more equal.

Swipe to find out more about her vision this International Women's Day.


UK in Sierra Leone
Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL

13/02/2026