It Takes a Teacher: Transforming Education in Sierra Leone From the Ground Up

Every child remembers a teacher who believed in them. The teacher who stayed behind after class to explain a difficult lesson, or the one who encouraged them to dream bigger even when resources were scarce.

Across Sierra Leone, thousands of educators wake up every day dedicated to shaping the next generation. But behind their commitment lies a stark reality: quality education cannot happen without trained, supported teachers, yet the vast majority of classrooms lack the support they desperately need.

The Snapshot: The State of Education and Teachers in Sierra Leone

To understand why education outcomes struggle, we have to look at the numbers.

• A Decentralized System: Out of 11,168 total schools in Sierra Leone, the government directly owns just over 16%. The vast majority are government-supported mission schools (6,222 schools), communities (1,579), or private entities (1,810). Over 37% of all schools (4,168) remain unapproved, meaning they receive no government financial assistance.
• The Training Gap: Out of 83,033 teachers nationwide, over 28,000 are completely unqualified.
• The Primary School Crisis: The deficit is most severe where early learning matters most. In primary schools, nearly 2 out of every 3 teachers are unqualified.
• Gender Disparity: Beyond qualifications, female educators make up only a small fraction of the workforce as students progress. In senior secondary schools, male teachers outnumber female teachers by approximately 11 to 1.

The Hard Truth: Real educational reform isn’t just about building structures—it lies in the hands of the teachers inside those classrooms. One-off workshops are not enough; transformative change requires moving away from event-based training toward embedded, continuous, year-round support.

The Solution: Year-Round Training & Leadership

If the problem is a lack of training and ongoing support, the solution is clear: sustained, year-round professional development for both teachers and headteachers (principals).

When teachers receive continuous training in core methodologies like phonics-based instruction, and when school leaders are empowered to lead peer-learning communities, the classroom dynamic fundamentally changes. Three principals in SfS-partnered schools are currently Learning Foundation Trainers who help lead their peers, helping them acquire the skills needed to succeed in the classroom. 

The ultimate result? Dramatically improved learning outcomes.

By prioritizing teacher training, children gain critical foundational literacy and numeracy skills in Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. The Learning Foundation also works with JSS 1 teachers who lead reading clubs to support remedial reading. This early foundation ensures students hit their learning targets, giving them the tools they need to succeed as they progress into higher grade levels.

How Schools for Salone is Bridging the Gap

This is where Schools for Salone (SfS) steps in.

Focusing on last-mile, underfunded, and remote communities—where the least trained and least supported teachers often work—SfS works directly to change the narrative.

Through our key partnership with The Learning Foundation, we don’t just build schools; we invest in the people teaching inside them. Together, we provide:

• Phonics-based instructional training for early childhood and primary educators.
• Age-appropriate books and school libraries to foster a culture of reading.
• Continuous, decentralized support that builds lasting capacity within local communities.

Some teachers being trained by The Learning Foundation 

A Rallying Call: Join Us in Seattle This October!

To continue bringing vital training and resources to the teachers who need them most, Schools for Salone invites you to an inspiring evening dedicated to the heart of every classroom: the teacher.

Event Details:

• 📅 Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2026
• ⏰ Time: Doors open at 4:00 PM
• 📍 Location: The Swedish Club | 1920 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
• 🎟️ Tickets: $125 Early-Bird Price (Available through September 2nd, 2026; prices increase to $150 on September 3rd)

Throughout the evening, you’ll hear powerful stories of impact, reconnect with our vibrant community, and discover how your investment in teacher training directly transforms lives across Sierra Leone.

Because Ultimately… It Takes a Teacher.

We cannot transform education in Sierra Leone without uplifting the educators standing at the front of the room. Join us this October and help us equip more teachers to inspire, educate, and empower the leaders of tomorrow.

To join SfS’s effort to uplift Sierra Leone’s teachers click here.