Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Conrad Sackey, has reinforced the government’s commitment to school safety, calling it a non-negotiable priority.
In a statement shared on social media, Minister Sackey expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragic loss of two kindergarten pupils, who were found inside a parked vehicle at the National Pentecostal School.
Following the incident, he personally led a comprehensive safety assessment of the school grounds, describing the tragedy as a “painful wake-up call” that demands immediate action.
“The police are conducting thorough investigations, and any lapses in duty will be duly addressed,” he assured the public.
In response to the incident, Minister Sackey engaged with community members, parents, and teachers to discuss measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. One of the key concerns raised was the reopening of the school, particularly with transitional exams approaching.
Following deliberations, the minister announced that both the primary and secondary sections of the school would reopen on Tuesday, after the Ramadan holiday. However, the kindergarten section will remain closed until all safety hazards are fully addressed, acknowledging the need for extra precautions for younger children.
“As the primary and secondary schools resume, we will continue strengthening safety measures to ensure that every child is protected,” he affirmed. He further emphasized that the ministry will hold additional discussions with School Management Teams (SMTs) to reinforce the commitment to a safer learning environment.
Minister Sackey pledged that efforts to improve school safety will be ongoing. “School safety is not a privilege; it is a right,” he stated.
Offering condolences to the bereaved families, he expressed his heartfelt sympathies. “To the families mourning this unbearable loss, my heart is with you. While no action can bring back these young souls, we will honor their memory by ensuring that no other child suffers the same fate.”
The ministry’s renewed focus on school safety aims to prevent future tragedies and create a secure environment for all students across Sierra Leone.
