By: Isatu Bai Kamara
Sierra Leone has taken another significant step towards improving foundational literacy, as the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in collaboration with the Doctrina Foundation, concluded a two-day intensive training workshop aimed at equipping primary school teachers with modern, evidence-based techniques for teaching early-grade reading.
Held at the Freetown Polytechnic Jui Campus, the workshop brought together educators from different parts of the country to strengthen classroom practices that will help young learners develop strong reading and writing skills during their formative years. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to promote a vibrant reading culture and improve literacy outcomes among children in lower primary schools.
Addressing participants, the Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Josephus Brimah, described reading as the bedrock of quality education and national development. He urged teachers to take full advantage of the knowledge shared during the training and to replicate the lessons in their respective schools for the benefit of thousands of children across Sierra Leone.
He acknowledged the unwavering support of the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, whose commitment has continued to create opportunities for educational transformation. He also commended the Doctrina Foundation and other development partners for supporting an initiative that places children’s literacy at the centre of national progress.
Drawing from his own experience as an educator, Brimah stressed that phonics-based instruction remains one of the most effective approaches to helping children become confident readers. According to him, teachers who master these techniques will be better positioned to improve learning outcomes and inspire a lifelong love for reading among pupils.
Acting Deputy Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Sia Fasuluku, described the collaboration between the Ministry and the Doctrina Foundation as a major milestone in strengthening Sierra Leone’s early childhood literacy framework.
She explained that the programme introduces teachers to internationally recognised phonics-based teaching methods specifically designed for children between the ages of four and seven. Through structured and learner-centred instruction, children are expected to progress from recognising letters and sounds to reading simple sentences within approximately four months.
Fasuluku noted that while the Ministry will continue to provide policy guidance and implementation oversight, the Doctrina Foundation has made significant contributions through the provision of teaching materials, digital tablets, books and other instructional resources required for successful programme implementation.
The Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, Dr. Samba Moriba, welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of investing in literacy as a foundation for national development. He encouraged teachers to actively participate throughout the training and to share the newly acquired knowledge with colleagues upon returning to their schools.
According to him, strengthening children’s reading abilities at an early age will not only improve academic performance but also prepare future generations to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. He expressed optimism that the pilot programme could eventually be expanded nationwide, ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop strong reading and writing skills.
Chief Executive Officer of the Doctrina Foundation, Mike Madsen, explained that the workshop introduced teachers to a simple but highly effective reading programme that has been refined through more than seventeen years of educational practice in the United States.
He disclosed that teachers are receiving practical classroom training alongside instructional materials ahead of the pilot phase scheduled to begin in September. The initial programme will target 400 children, with the objective of enabling them to attain Grade One reading proficiency within four months.
Madsen stated that the pilot will serve as the foundation for a broader national literacy campaign that envisions every Sierra Leonean child between the ages of five and seven becoming a proficient reader. He further announced that teachers who successfully complete the training will receive certification authorising them to implement the programme in their classrooms.
Area Director Ernest Gyampoh praised the dedication of teachers, describing them as architects of the nation’s future whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. He encouraged participants to remain committed to professional excellence, noting that quality education begins with well-prepared and motivated educators.
Speaking on behalf of participants, teacher Martha Cecilia Mansaray said her decision to attend the workshop was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to improving Sierra Leone’s education system through quality classroom instruction.
She explained that the training reinforced the importance of ensuring children master the alphabet, letter sounds and phonemic awareness before progressing to blending sounds, reading words and achieving fluency. She described the workshop as both practical and inspiring, pledging to share the acquired knowledge with fellow teachers in her school.
Another participant, Unisa Kamara, described the programme as a timely and transformative initiative that introduced innovative teaching strategies for lower primary education.
He noted that the training focused on structured approaches to literacy instruction, including letter-sound recognition, word blending, handwriting practice, alphabet songs, interactive classroom activities and systematic reading exercises designed to make learning engaging and enjoyable for young children.
Education stakeholders believe the partnership between the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Doctrina Foundation represents an important investment in Sierra Leone’s future, with the potential to transform literacy outcomes and lay a stronger educational foundation for generations to come.