School Resumption Under Serious Treat

As the new academic year approaches, teachers in Sierra Leone are facing unprecedented challenges that could disrupt the education system if left unaddressed. Advocacy for the Voiceless Sierra Leoneans (AVSL), a civil society and human rights organization, has sounded the alarm, calling on the government to take urgent action to mitigate these issues before the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

At the forefront of these challenges are the difficulties faced by teachers, who are struggling with poor working conditions, inconsistent pay, and lack of resources. The suspension or removal of over 5,000 teachers from the government payroll has further exacerbated the situation, leaving many without a stable income. Moreover, the delayed payment of school subsidies has hindered the ability of schools to provide adequate teaching and learning materials, putting a significant burden on teachers.