The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has received a major boost to its National School Feeding Programme, following the donation of 20,600 bags of rice by the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
The rice forms part of a larger consignment of 1,030 metric tons donated to Sierra Leone — the second consecutive year of such support — and is aimed at enhancing food security and improving educational outcomes across the country.
On July 2, 2025, a high-level team from MBSSE, led by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Brima M. Sowa, visited the World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Wellington, Freetown, where the rice is being stored. The team included key officials from the Ministry’s Procurement and Finance departments, as well as Mr. Augustine Koroma, National Coordinator of the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) programme.
Mr. Sowa expressed deep appreciation for the donation, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s education agenda.
“This rice will go a long way in supporting our school feeding programme, which is critical to keeping children in school, improving learning outcomes, and ensuring no child is left behind,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective resource management, assuring the public that the rice would be properly distributed to schools nationwide.
Speaking during the inspection, Mr. Augustine Koroma highlighted the importance of quality and safety, noting that the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau would conduct tests to ensure the rice meets health standards before distribution.
“A well-fed child is a focused child. This donation from the Chinese Government strengthens our ability to provide nutritious meals daily, helping children stay in school and perform better,” Koroma stated.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, also took to social media to reaffirm the Ministry’s stance on accountability and proper resource management.
“As part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and quality service delivery, senior MBSSE officials inspected the 20,600 bags of rice donated by the People’s Republic of China. This donation directly supports our national education priorities,” he posted.