Freetown, Aug 19 (Reuters) – Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has begun consultations with key government agencies and local authorities to improve the management and safety of school buses ahead of the new academic year, which begins on Sept. 8.
The talks, held this week at the ministry’s headquarters in Freetown, brought together senior officials from the finance, local government, and transport ministries, as well as representatives from local councils.
Augustine Koroma, national coordinator of the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) programme, said the initiative was triggered by safety and operational lapses identified last year during monitoring exercises by the ministry’s School Quality Assurance Directorate.
“The ministry is determined to address these issues and ensure that school buses operate smoothly and safely across the country,” Koroma told the meeting.
Education Minister Conrad Sackey chaired the discussions, joined by his deputy, the Chief Education Officer, the deputy ministers of finance and local government, and senior transport officials.
Stakeholders reviewed strategies for better coordination, improved oversight, and stronger safety measures for pupils using school buses, which remain an important part of Sierra Leone’s effort to expand access to education under the government’s flagship FQSE programme.
The MBSSE said the consultations are part of broader preparations for the start of the academic year, with further steps expected before schools reopen.
By Theo Bangura
