By Josephine Sesay
A decade-long partnership between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and the UK-funded Leh Wi Lan (LwL) programme has officially concluded, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to improve access to quality, inclusive, and safe education.
The programme formally ended during a close-out event attended by the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, representatives of the United Kingdom, development partners, and key education stakeholders. The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the programme’s achievements and its lasting contribution to strengthening Sierra Leone’s education sector.
Over the past ten years, Leh Wi Lan has supported several transformative reforms aimed at improving teaching and learning across the country. Among its key accomplishments were the introduction of the National Referral Protocol on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), strengthening school leadership, advancing teacher professional development, and promoting inclusive education for all learners.
The programme has recorded significant gains, including a substantial increase in girls’ enrolment in secondary schools, expanded educational opportunities for children with disabilities, and improved institutional capacity to deliver quality education nationwide.
Through initiatives such as the School Leadership Programme and the training of Inclusion Champions, schools have become better equipped to create safer, more supportive, and inclusive learning environments for students.
Speaking at the event, representatives of the United Kingdom expressed pride in the achievements of the partnership and acknowledged the collective efforts that contributed to its success.
“The UK is proud to have supported this journey and thanks the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Teaching Service Commission, Mott MacDonald, and all stakeholders whose collaboration has improved educational opportunities for children and young people across Sierra Leone,” the representatives stated.
Although UK funding for the Leh Wi Lan programme has come to an end, stakeholders expressed confidence that the reforms, partnerships, and systems established over the past decade will continue to strengthen Sierra Leone’s education sector and improve learning outcomes for future generations.
The conclusion of the programme marks the end of a successful chapter in UK–Sierra Leone education cooperation while leaving behind a legacy of stronger institutions, better-trained educators, and greater opportunities for children across the country.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 3rd August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
