By Politico staff writer
PEN Sierra Leone, a literacy advocacy group, has completed an engagement with stakeholders from the Curriculum and policy departments in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Sierra Leone Library Board, and teachers from primary schools, writers, and publishers to discuss ways of promoting reading and writing in the country.
Speaking on the essence of the collaboration over the weekend at the Methodist Local Preachers Hall, in Freetown, PEN President Omar Farouk Sesay said that when policymakers in the Ministry and writers work together and share best practices, it would create a positive impact on the general outcome of education especially when it comes to writing and publishing reading and writing materials in the country.
He explained that when children read for pleasure and enlightenment and see their own local and familiar perspectives in their environment, their experiences are valued, their pride is built and confidence and self-esteem grow. Mr. Sesay informed the gathering that PEN Sierra Leone is working in partnership with Book Aid International through the African Story Box programme to enhance the works of local writers and publishers. He invited contributions from the participants to suggest ways forward to helping the schools and students, especially the early grade readers and providers of local writers.
In his contribution, Pastor Sahr Foday from the Basic Education of the Ministry advised that the best place to start promoting reading at the primary school level. So that when they come to Junior Secondary school, they already have strong foundations. He said there is a need to introduce reading materials written by Sierra Leoneans that students can easily relate to. He said the prevalence of various books can help promote reading in the country. He said there is a need to establish libraries in schools and communities to enhance reading. John Balla Marah from the Ministry of Basic Education and Senior Secondary School (MBSSE) said that "reading is the bedrock of our education, and added that one of the reasons for poor performance in public examinations is the fact that children lack the culture of reading. He encouraged teachers to help pupils/students cultivate the culture of reading. He said the new curriculum which had already been rolled out into the school system could be used as directions to map out programmes that could enhance reading.
The representative from the Sierra Leone Library Board (SLLB) Yankuba Bangura expressed a wiliness to continue working with PEN to promote reading in the country. He said the Board had established library facilities in all districts in the regions across the country.
However, he said most schools do not have libraries. He also suggested that there is a need to build out community libraries all in the name of great impact on the general outcome of education.
Other suggestions to improve reading in schools highlighted during the meeting include training teachers; motivating the spirit of teachers to work hard, involving parents to monitor the progress of their children at home and school, and conducting a national reading campaign.
PEN Sierra Leone also suggested encouraging duty bearers to restore reading hours in school to be included in the curriculum as a major campaign toward reading promotion and the general outcome of education in the country. They have done some work on this and will launch the report soon.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online
