© By Amb Abdul Karim Konneh
Since its inception in 2018, the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) initiative has been a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s commitment to providing free and equitable access to education for all. At the heart of this program lies not only the drive to increase enrollment, but also the mission to create conducive learning environments that foster academic excellence.
A key success of this initiative has been the remarkable progress in improving the country’s educational infrastructure. The Free Education Project, supported by the World Bank and other international partners, has been a critical force in making quality education accessible, especially in underserved rural communities. Spearheading this transformative effort is Mr. Ambrose T. Sesay, the dedicated Coordinator of the Free Education Project Secretariat, whose leadership has ensured the timely delivery of newly constructed classrooms across Sierra Leone.
Among the project’s most significant achievements is the construction of over 400 classroom blocks nationwide, financed through the Multi-Donor Trust Fund. In the past few months alone, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has proudly handed over numerous newly built, fully equipped classrooms to eager communities. One such handover occurred on October 23, 2024, when Minister Conrad Sackey inaugurated a three-classroom block at the Government Independent Memorial Secondary School in eastern Freetown.
During the ceremony, Mr. Sesay highlighted this accomplishment as “a giant leap towards bridging the educational gap,” underscoring the importance of maintaining momentum in enhancing educational infrastructure.
These newly built classrooms are designed to meet modern standards, featuring improved ventilation, ample lighting, and enhanced learning conditions to optimize the student experience. Each classroom is furnished with high-quality desks, chairs, and blackboards—creating a learning space where students and teachers can thrive.
A hallmark of the project is its strong emphasis on community involvement. By actively engaging local residents throughout the construction process, the initiative fosters a deep sense of ownership and responsibility. This inclusive approach not only tailors each facility to the community’s unique needs, but also ensures the sustainability and long-term maintenance of these essential educational spaces.
The FQSE program, bolstered by the Free Education Project, continues to reshape Sierra Leone’s education sector. Through the steadfast leadership of individuals like Mr. Ambrose T. Sesay and ongoing efforts to expand and improve infrastructure, Sierra Leone is steadily realizing the vision of making quality education accessible to every child, regardless of their background or location.
As Sierra Leone advances in its educational journey, the construction of these new classrooms stand as a testament to the nation’s unwavering dedication to the future of its children—building not only schools, but the very foundation of hope and opportunity for generations to come.