On September 7, 2025, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) responded to the Sierra Leone Teachers Union’s (SLTU) planned strike starting September 8, 2025. The Ministry values teachers’ contributions and is addressing their concerns through actions agreed upon in an emergency meeting on September 4, 2025, led by the Vice President. These actions include:
• Payment of Subsidies: SLE 82,514,470 for last year’s second and third-term subsidies has been transferred to banks, with receipts shared with SLTU.
• Recruitment and Deployment: A portion of the 2025 recruitment quota will prioritize Tech-Voc teachers, with 70% of new teacher hires assigned to schools lacking PIN-coded teachers.
• Teacher Reassessments: From the 3,043 budgeted reassessments, 1,000 will go to acting principals and head teachers, with the remaining 2,043 allocated to acting vice principals, deputy heads nearing retirement, and other teachers.
• Joint Committee: A committee reporting to the Vice President will tackle issues like subsidy funding formulas and budget allocations for teaching materials.
• Teacher Reinstatement: In addition to 1,802 reinstated teachers, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and SLTU will discuss reinstating more eligible teachers and addressing quality-related issues.
The government views teachers as key partners in the Free Quality School Education program and is committed to resolving these matters collaboratively.
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) in Sierra Leone has taken decisive steps to ensure stability in the education sector, particularly in response to the Sierra Leone Teachers Union’s planned strike scheduled for September 8, 2025. Such strikes often highlight broader systemic challenges faced by educators in many countries, including issues of funding, staffing, and professional recognition. One of the most pressing concerns addressed by the Ministry is the payment of unpaid subsidies amounting to SLE 82,514,470 for previous academic terms. Timely payment of teacher subsidies is crucial as it not only boosts teacher morale but also contributes to retention and motivation, which are essential for maintaining the quality of education. The Ministry’s action of sharing receipts with the SLTU also demonstrates transparency and commitment to solving disputes collaboratively. Furthermore, the focus on recruitment and deployment, especially prioritizing Technical and Vocational (Tech-Voc) teachers, aligns with global educational trends emphasizing skills development and employability. By assigning 70% of new teacher hires to schools lacking PIN-coded teachers, the government is tackling educational inequity by ensuring that rural or underserved schools receive qualified teaching staff. This move can reduce disparities in education quality and improve overall student outcomes. Teacher reassessment is another critical component where the Ministry has budgeted 3,043 evaluations, distributing them among acting principals, head teachers, vice principals, and other staff. Regular reassessment ensures accountability, helps identify professional development needs, and supports career progression for educators. The formation of a joint committee reporting directly to the Vice President to tackle subsidy funding formulas and budget allocations for teaching materials reflects a high-level commitment to educational reform. Having a dedicated body to address these issues promotes sustained dialogue between government officials and teacher representatives, which is essential for long-term solutions. Additionally, the plan to reinstate more eligible teachers beyond the 1,802 already reinstated shows an openness to correcting past oversights and improving teacher workforce quality. Working closely with the Teaching Service Commission and the SLTU fosters cooperation and shared responsibility. It is important to view these developments in the broader context of Sierra Leone’s Free Quality School Education program. The government’s recognition of teachers as key partners indicates a progressive approach to education reform, focusing on both teacher welfare and student learning experiences. In real-life terms, teachers experiencing delayed payments or uncertain job security can face significant personal and professional stress. The Ministry’s proactive measures aim not just to stop an imminent strike, but to build trust and strengthen the educational system for the future. For parents, students, and communities, these government actions mean enhanced prospects for stable schooling environments, improved teacher presence in classrooms, and ultimately better educational quality. The continual collaboration between stakeholders will be vital to address ongoing challenges and ensure that free quality education becomes an achievable reality for all children in Sierra Leone.










































































