The government has announced urgent measures to address the alarming decline in English language pass rates across Sierra Leone, with Education Minister Conrad Sackey emphasizing the need for sweeping reforms to protect the future of school-going children.
Recent examination results revealed a significant drop in English performance nationwide, triggering concern among parents, teachers, and education stakeholders. English remains a compulsory subject for admission into universities and many professional fields, making the trend a serious national issue.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing, Minister Sackey stressed that the education system must be strengthened to prevent students from being disadvantaged.
“No child should be denied a future because they cannot pass English; we must fix the system,” the minister stated.
He disclosed that the government plans to improve teacher training, review the national curriculum, and expand access to digital learning tools as part of broader education reforms aimed at improving literacy standards.
Teachers say the crisis is already evident in classrooms. At a secondary school in Freetown, educators reported that many students struggle with reading comprehension and essay writing despite excelling in other subjects.
“We see bright children who can solve difficult mathematics problems but struggle to write a simple essay,” a teacher explained.
Parents have also expressed growing concern over the declining performance in English. Mariama Kamara, whose son failed the subject last year, said the situation is affecting the dreams and ambitions of many young people.
“He wants to become an engineer, but without English, he cannot move forward. More support is needed both at home and in schools,” she said.
Education experts have welcomed the government’s intervention but warned that any reforms introduced must be sustained and adequately funded to produce lasting results.
Community organizations are also calling on the Ministry of Education to strengthen family participation in literacy development, noting that reading culture begins from an early age.
The Ministry is expected to unveil a comprehensive action plan in the coming weeks, with pilot intervention programs scheduled to begin before the next academic year.