Leh Wi Lan

Our December newsletter shares stories from the field highlighting recent progress in Sierra Leone’s sector. From strengthening school leadership to advancing inclusive education and creating safer learning environments, this edition brings you the key updates from the past few months.

In this issue, explore:
▶️ How education data is helping schools make better decisions
▶️ Building leadership for sustainable change through the School Leadership Programme
▶️ Amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities through our work with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities
▶️ Advancing school safety, wellbeing, and inclusion, based on the latest KAP Survey

Plus, check out our new Personal Insight section, with reflections from our Disability Inclusion Lead, Abs Dumbuya, on promoting disability inclusion in education.

🗞️ Read the full newsletter here:https://mbsseknowledgeplatform.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LWL-Insights-Newsletter-Nov-2025.pdf

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

As Mr Conteh says, a secure school environment is essential for teaching and learning.

School Safety Committees are identifying risks early, raising awareness and fostering a culture where wellbeing comes first. Only when learners and staff feel safe, learning can take place effectively.




UK in Sierra Leone

School Safety Committees are helping students speak up without fear, resolve concerns and build stronger relationships with trusted adults.

Through Leh Wi Lan, schools are strengthening these committees so children have safe spaces where they feel confident to
participate, give feedback, be heard - and know they are protected.



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

Changing mindsets transforms schools.

Mr. Marah’s shift away from corporal punishment shows what’s possible when teachers receive the right training and support. Through the School Leadership Programme, he has learned that positive discipline builds trust and respect with learners and can lead to better learning outcomes.

A safe school is a school where children can grow, learn and thrive without fear.




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

International Day of People with Disabilities it’s a great reminder of why inclusive education matters.

Through Osman’s and George’s stories, we see how education can transform lives, helping children pursue their dreams and realise their full potential.

It matters because every child, talented, resilient and eager to learn, deserves the same opportunities to grow, succeed and thrive as their peers.

We are working toward a Sierra Leone where every child can learn, develop and be fully included.

Watch now and share to show your support for inclusive education!

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

Learning for a New Generation: A story of secondary education in Sierra Leone Introducing our seven secondary school stars: Bintu, Fatmata, Humu, George, Osman, Peter and Wuya. Follow their journeys as they generously open their lives ...

On Monday this week, Margaret Servel Conteh took over the role of FCDO Development Director at the British High Commission in Sierra Leone. Margaret is a recent senior secondary school graduate who has a visual impairment and her job for the day was to take over all diplomatic and development efforts.

First up was a meeting with the Development Director - Alex Maclean - for a briefing on the activities ahead.

She then went on to meet with the Freetown City Council to advocate for the establishment of a Disability Desk, which will institutionalise disability inclusion in municipal governance.

Next was a tour of disability-inclusive health initiatives at Rokupa Hospital, followed by a roundtable lunch with Salone business leaders to champion greater employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

She said of her day:

"I want to thank the Development Director, Alex, for giving me her position for the day. And also for working together with her in making disability inclusion a pivotal step for the celebration of International Day for Persons with Disability... I see that it's been celebrated with grand style through all the works of the British High Commission. I hope next year we'll see double more of these things, in Jesus' name."

Margaret’s participation stands as a powerful reminder that when barriers are removed and opportunities created, young people with disabilities can lead, inspire and drive progress at every level of society.

UK in Sierra Leone

Inclusion Champions are driving change for learners with disabilities in Sierra Leone’s secondary schools.

With the support of specialised training and coaching, they are...

..inspiring improved inclusion attitudes and practices.

..creating School Inclusion Plans to develop new initiatives.

..providing direct support to learners with disabilities.

..and working with local Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to reduce barriers to inclusion.

Since 2024, 800 Inclusion Champions have been introduced to secondary schools across five districts with support from Leh Wi Lan, Sightsavers and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL.

And they’re making impact on their schools and learners already – identifying learners who need support, improving access and strengthening inclusive teaching.

By formalising the role of Inclusion Champions in the education system, Sierra Leone can create schools that are truly radically inclusive, so every child can learn and thrive.



Read more about Inclusion Champions on the MBSSE Education Knowledge Platform now:

https://mbsseknowledgeplatform.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Inclusion-Champions-Information-Brief-2025.pdf

UK in Sierra Leone
Cambridge Education

Sexual and gender-based violence continues to be a serious problem in Sierra Leone’s secondary schools.

Though a recent school survey has shown some improvement in knowledge, understanding and practices around violence – there is more to be done. For example, 42% of learners still believe they will face negative consequences for reporting violence.

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL and The Sierra Leone Teachers' Corner - TSC Sierra Leone are committed to supporting schools and learners to prevent, recognise and report violence through training, sensitisation, setting up School Safety Committees and developing Inclusion Champions.

What can you do to improve safety in schools?

To read more about the survey School-Related Violence and Sexual and Reproductive Health, please visit: https://mbsseknowledgeplatform.gov.sl/material/knowledge-attitudes-practices-survey-2025/

UK in Sierra Leone
Cambridge Education

Understanding the different forms of violence is the first step to ending them.

As Fatmata, many girls in Sierra Leone are now confident to name and challenge harmful behaviour. This shows the power of awareness-raising in our schools. When learners know their rights, they can speak up and stay safe.



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

Creating a safe school is not just about preventing or reporting harm, it’s also about enabling spaces where learners feel protected to learn and thrive.

When teachers understand positive discipline, inclusion and child protection, classrooms become places where learners feel welcome, confident and ready to succeed.

Together, we can build schools where safety and learning go hand in hand.



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

Violence should never be kept in silence.

Every learner deserves adults who listen, respond and protect.

If something doesn’t feel right, help is available in your school, your community and nationwide.

Learners will be treated with dignity and confidentiality, every time.

Let’s make sure every child knows where to turn, and that reporting is a right, not a risk.



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