Between 2018 & 2021… SLPP Gov’t Employs 10,000 Teachers

Teachers are the most essential ingredients for achieving SDG4: inclusive quality education. They are also an essential part of the Government’s Free Quality School Education programme. This is why an unprecedented level of investment has been made towards enhancing the policies, incentives and welfare of teachers in Sierra Leone. Here a few (10) things you may not have heard about:

1. Although Teachers make up 39% of government payroll, government increased their salaries by 30% in 2019/2020 including an additional 10% increase for allowances. There are over 36,000 Teachers on government payroll. We aim to add this number to 37,500 in the next two years.
2. Government has recruited and added to the payroll an additional 10, 268 (>6,000 new recruitments) between 2018 and 2021.
3. 34,185 Teachers have undergone training in various programs including literacy, professional management and community of practice across all school levels and all districts.
4. Government has invested heavily in the Teaching Service Commission including passing several harmonised and integrated policies for Teachers at Cabinet level. We are now reviewing the TSC Act.
5. Several government agencies including the National Civil Registration Authority and the National Social Security and Insurance Trust have worked with MBSSE to verify teacher records thereby enhancing and protecting their welfare now and for the future.
6. Over 500 Principals and Vice Principals have been appointed between August 2020 and November 2021. All were previously either Acting positions or vacant. Government has invested in school management and leadership.
7. Presidential National Best Teacher Award- 48 teachers were honored by the President of Sierra Leone for their service and dedication as teachers. Two of those teachers were nominated to the African Union Best Teacher Prize and several have benefited from advanced training opportunities.
8. Over 4,000 teachers were reassessed and placed on the right salary scale between 2019 and 2020.
9. The Sierra Leone Teacher’s Union and the Ministry have a consistent working relationship including a regular quarterly meeting. The SLTU also collaborates with the Ministry in assessing and monitoring government programs; and doing research for government laws and policies.
10. All Senior Secondary School Principals have been given tablet computers to facilitate their work in addition to the supplies of other Teaching and Learning Materials to all public government-assisted schools.

While we are proud of the work we are doing and the impact being made, certainly, there remain many challenges:

1. Large student to teacher ratios in some schools;
2. lack of specialist teachers particularly for the sciences;
3. Lack of female teachers;
4. Large numbers of teachers without qualifications or training;
5. Teachers with incorrect vital information on payroll;
6. Large volunteer and community teachers particularly in remote rural areas; etc

We are aware of these issues and are working to correct them. However, one thing remains clear; this government will continue to invest in and promote teachers because that’s one sure way to contribute to our national development.

I thank all the heroes and communities who continue to support volunteer and community teachers. Significant chunks of the 22% actually go towards teachers and we are proud of that.