This policy brief, "Assessing the Government's Commitment to Free Quality School Education in Sierra Leone," examines the progress and ongoing challenges of the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) policy, introduced in 2018 to address longstanding educational inequalities. The brief highlights persistent barriers such as delayed subsidies, teacher shortages, and inadequate infrastructure, which hinder the policy’s full impact.

The brief draws on evidence to demonstrate that while increased enrollment, resource provision, and teacher recruitment have improved access, systemic issues—ranging from poverty to mismanagement—continue to threaten sustainability. It calls for targeted interventions to strengthen implementation and ensure equitable access to quality education.

What This Policy Brief Offers

• Analysis of Achievements and Shortcomings of FQSE

• Insights into Socio-Economic and Structural Barriers

• Evidence-Based Recommendations to Strengthen Education Delivery

Why It Matters

The FQSE policy is a landmark reform aimed at fostering human capital development and national progress. While enrollment rates have soared, gaps in infrastructure, teacher capacity, and financial support risk undermining these gains. Addressing these challenges is critical to realizing the policy’s potential to transform education in Sierra Leone.

👉 [Read the full policy brief] to explore how strategic reforms, targeted investments, and improved governance can enhance the effectiveness of the FQSE policy and ensure that every child in Sierra Leone has access to quality education.

Key Publication

Kamara, A. B. (2024). Assessing the Government's Commitment to Free Quality School Education in Sierra Leone: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Directions. Education Above All Working Paper Series.

Keywords

Free Quality School Education (FQSE), Education Accessibility, Teacher Recruitment and Retention, Educational Infrastructure, Policy Implementation Challenges