By Hajaratu Kalokoh
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has discussed his plans for the education sector with the United Arab Emirates based group, Global Education Management System (GEMS), which he asked for support to attain his objectives.
GEMS is a leading global advisory and educational management firm that pioneers educational development around the world.
A delegation from the group met with the president on Wednesday at State Lodge in Freetown.
President Bio, according to a statement from the presidential press secretary, noted that his goal was go regain Sierra Leone’s lost glory in academic excellence.
“Sierra Leone was once known as a center for quality education and for producing the best personnel across the continent,” Bio was quoted saying.
“We know that we cannot be part of the fourth industrial revolution if we do not have a literate population and that is why, as a small nation, we are determined to pre-position ourselves. As a government, we have resolved that we can change the old narrative. So, we need your knowledge and expertise as we embark on this journey. Education is what we want to give to every child and we are committed to that,’’ he added.
Founded in 2002, GEMS operates from kindergarten to high school level across the world. Through its consultancy arms, GEMS Education Solutions, the company works internationally with public and private sector clients on school improvement initiatives.
Special Adviser to the founder, Varkey Foundation and GEMS Education, Shantha Retnasingam, said:
“My prime aim here is to work with the Sierra Leonean team to identify how we can mobilize resources for the various projects which we will be looking at. We are happy to be in this country.”
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr Moinina David Sengeh, explained that the ministry had done an initial work which was a data driven approach towards government work on education. He assured the group that they were prepared to work with them.
Sierra Leone’s ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, said the firm was seeking to explore opportunities in the education sector of the country, noting:
“They were in the country on a fact-finding mission in the education sector, the government’s flagship program.”
Sesay added that GEMS had expressed interest to assess what was happening in the country and that the visit was a highlight of several discussions with their UAE counterparts.
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