Food for Education | ALL PIKIN FOR LEARN

Context

Sierra Leone’s education system is in a state of recovery and development, with significant efforts made to increase access to primary education and addressing gender disparities. However, substantial challenges remain regarding quality, infrastructure, and resources. Continued endeavors from the government, international partners, and local communities are essential to build a robust and inclusive education system supporting the country’s socio-economic development.

Solution

The All Pikin for Learn (Every Child Must Learn) program, part of the Food for Education initiative, aims to enhance literacy among school-aged children and improve health and dietary practices in five vulnerable chiefdoms in Koinadugu District. Developed by CRS Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) and other partners, this program supports the ministry's Education for All action plan, emphasizing universal primary education and higher quality education standards.

Impact

The program has led to increased enrollment in primary schools supported by Food for Education, alongside greater community awareness about the importance of education and increased community involvement in children's learning. Approximately 450 unqualified community volunteer teachers are also engaged in a distance education program to gain official certification, enhance teaching techniques, and improve practical classroom skills. The School Feeding Directorate has also devised a plan to establish a nationally led program, with CRS providing technical guidance.

The initiative has resulted in significant positive outcomes, including higher primary school enrollment rates, improved community awareness and participation in education, better teacher qualifications and teaching practices, and a strategic plan for a sustainable, nationally-led school feeding program. These efforts collectively improve literacy, health, and dietary practices among school-aged children in Koinadugu District.

The All Pikin for Learn program’s success in Sierra Leone provides a valuable model for addressing educational disparities in vulnerable communities. With careful adaptation to local contexts, strong stakeholder collaboration, and a focus on sustainability, the program’s principles and strategies can be effectively replicated in other countries facing similar challenges.