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My Personal Journey

I began my primary education at the University Experimental Njala and later transferred to UMC Primary School in Taiama. For my secondary education, I enrolled at Taiama Secondary School in 1984, where I sat for the O Level exam but fell short of entering Njala University College. I then transferred back to Njala to continue at the University Secondary School.

• I attempted the O Level exam for the second time after studying for three years and achieved Distinction. Unfortunately, due to widespread examination malpractice at the school, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) could not release my results.

• Frustrated and unwilling to repeat a class with peers three years my junior, I registered for a Syndicate class on the Njala University College campus, which fueled my determination to enter college.

• While preparing for my O Level exam for the third time, the civil war forced me and my cousin (and education sponsor) Wilfred Samking to relocate to Freetown. We found accommodation in Wellington, in the eastern part of the capital.

• In Freetown, while grappling with the next steps in my educational journey, I discovered a newly established British College—the College of Business Studies on Mellon Street. Initially aiming to study Geography, I was encouraged to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Business Management to support my sponsor’s business operations. Due to incomplete admission requirements, I first completed a one-year Diploma in Business Management in 1993 before moving on to the Advanced Diploma, which I graduated from in 1997.

My journey took a dramatic turn when civil unrest forced my brother and me to seek refuge in Guinea Conakry, and later I had to flee the country alone to the Gambia. In the Gambia, I established and operated the Institute of Professional Administration & Management (IPAM), modeled after one of the constituent colleges of the University of Sierra Leone. In 2002, when President Tejan Kabba called for the return of all Sierra Leoneans in exile, I made the difficult decision to leave Africa entirely and pursue my career in the United Kingdom.

I was fortunate to gain admission into the University of California, Riverside in the USA. After graduation, I moved to Northern Virginia and established Salvation Academy. In 2015, I even opened a branch of Salvation Academy in Sierra Leone, reaffirming my commitment to education in my home country.

Why This Blog?

My personal journey illustrates both the challenges and the transformative potential of education in Sierra Leone. This blog is designed to:

✅ Educate & Inform – Provide research-driven insights into the current state of Sierra Leone’s education system.

✅ Highlight Key Issues – Discuss challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and teacher shortages that continue to affect our schools.

✅ Explore Solutions – Showcase innovative approaches and success stories—both local and international—that can guide our path forward.

✅ Engage Stakeholders – Create an interactive space for dialogue among educators, policymakers, students, and development partners.

✅ Advocate for Change – Offer actionable recommendations aimed at reforming and revitalizing the education system.

The Current State of Education in Sierra Leone

While initiatives like the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) program have expanded access, many challenges remain:

• Overcrowded Classrooms & Teacher Shortages: Many schools are forced to manage large classes with insufficient, and sometimes untrained, teachers.

• Poor Infrastructure & Learning Conditions: Particularly in rural areas, inadequate classrooms, lack of electricity, and scarcity of learning materials hinder effective teaching and learning.

• High Dropout Rates: Economic hardships, early marriage, and limited secondary education opportunities contribute to high dropout rates, especially among girls.

• Outdated Curriculum & Teaching Methods: Many schools still follow outdated teaching practices that do not prepare students for modern challenges.

• Limited Integration of Technology: Despite global advances in digital education, Sierra Leone struggles to incorporate technology in classrooms.

A Vision for Change: What Can Be Done

In this blog, I will explore evidence-based strategies to transform our education system, including:

• Enhancing Teacher Training & Retention: Investing in ongoing professional development for educators.

• Expanding Technical & Vocational Education: Equipping students with practical, job-ready skills.

• Upgrading Education Infrastructure: Ensuring every school has safe, well-equipped facilities and reliable access to technology.

• Leveraging Technology for Learning: Exploring digital tools and e-learning opportunities to bridge educational gaps.

• Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: Fostering collaborations among government, NGOs, and private sectors to drive sustainable improvements.

Why Your Voice Matters

This blog is not just a platform for sharing my research and experiences—it’s a call to action. I believe that the transformation of Sierra Leone’s education system requires collective effort. Whether you’re a student, teacher, policymaker, or concerned citizen, your voice is vital.

How You Can Get Involved

• Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts, questions, and personal experiences in the comments section.

• Subscribe: Stay updated with the latest insights, research, and discussions on education reform.

• Spread Awareness: Share this blog with others who care about the future of education in Sierra Leone

• Collaborate: If you’re involved in education initiatives, let’s connect to amplify our impact.

What’s Next?

In my next post, I’ll delve deeper into “The Biggest Challenges Facing Education in Sierra Leone Today”—exploring root causes and discussing potential pathways forward.

Together, let’s work towards an education system that empowers every child in Sierra Leone with the knowledge and skills to thrive.

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