IBIS in Sierra Leone

Foto: Anne Hefting

IBIS' work in Sierra Leone forms part of our commitment to contributing to the transition from emergency interventions to long term and sustainable development of Sierra Leone as well as peace and stability on the sub-region. In Sierra Leone IBIS is working with Education in Emergensies in one programme; 

Complementary Rapid Education for Primary Schools Programme
- the hope to a shattered generation

In this programme IBIS is, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) giving hope to war affected children within the shattered infrastructure of Sierra Leone following the 11 years of civil war. The programme The programme currently offers free primary school education to children and youth who have been affected by or involved in the civil war and have not had access to any basic literacy and innumeracy learning opportunities. IBIS and it’s partners are also working rigorously to enhance the professional development of teachers and stakeholders in education at both central and district levels to enhance governance and accountability in education delivery in Sierra Leone.

Why this programme?
Due to the 11 years of civil war that ended in 2002, a high number of the adolescences of the country lag behind, as they were either affected or involved in the war and therefore did not have access to any basic literacy and numeracy learning opportunities. Reaching this group of Sierra Leoneans is crucial not only to achieve development of the country but also to ensure continued peace and stability.

It is estimated that, more than 400,000 children aged 10-15 years have missed part of their schooling or have never been to school. CREPS was therefore developed by UNICEF and the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Education and has been implemented by a number of relief institutions including the Norwegian Refugee Council, - to offer six years of primary school education in three years to children and adolescents who missed education due to the war.

In fact, before the war Sierra Leone was and still remains one of the poorest countries in West Africa, moreover, the recent elections that has led to a peaceful transition from one democratically elected government to another has sent a strong message to the world that Sierra Leoneans are now ready to develop their country on the chosen path of democracy and the rule of law.