Early childhood development (ECD) can help shape children’s cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical development, and future success. “We must start to build the foundation for a child’s learning journey in their early years of life,” said Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone.

Around 25% of children aged 3 to 5 years are enrolled in early childhood education in Sierra Leone, while nearly 600,000 (78%) are missing out on critical opportunities for their development.

Steps towards meeting the need for ECD

In partnership with UNICEF and with the support of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has increased preschool access for more than 4,000 children across six districts.

Twenty-nine brand new early childhood development (ECD) centers were commissioned in the Karene and Moyamba Districts, marking a total of 59 centers constructed so far and doubling up the support to boost early learning for children living in underserved districts, which include Pujehun, Kambia and Bombali as well.

Each ECD center has two classrooms (35 students per class), a playground, furniture and water sanitation and hygiene facilities and a solar-powered borehole. Additionally, teaching and learning materials including locally made toys are provided (for a class of 35 students).

GPE supports teachers to provide quality education

As part of the program, over 11,000 pre-school teachers were trained on Early Grade Reading and Early Grade Mathematics Assessment with support from GPE.

About 220 educators are also being funded to deliver play and early stimulation activities along with the literacy and numeracy curriculum.

Aiming to fulfill the potential of every child

“The ECD program complements the Free Quality School Education initiative and is in line with the Education Sector Plan, which focuses on improving access to equitable and quality education for every child in Sierra Leone,” said Mr Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. “We are, indeed, grateful to our partners for the collective efforts and support to ensure every child in our country has access to quality education so that their potential could be realized to the fullest.”