In addition to the Constitution of Sierra Leone, there are other laws which guarantee the
enjoyment of this right and regulate the manner in which it can be realised. The
Education Act 200410 for example provides for pre-primary education, technical and
vocational training, adult and non-formal education and establishes the role of
universities in providing education; and to provide for other related matters. Also, Sierra
Leone has in place various legislature which regulates the activities of the various
institutions under the education sector. These include the Tertiary Education Commission
Act11, the Polytechnics Act12, the Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission Act13, and
the National Council for Technical, Vocational and Other Awards Act14, and the
Universities Act of 200515.
When there was a serious issue or allegation relating to the educational sector, a
commission of enquiry was set up by the government to look into the issue/issues in
dispute. In 2010, the Gbamanja Commission was set up to investigate the reason for low
level of performance/malpractice of students at public exams. The Commission
conducted investigations and made recommendations as to the possible solutions of the
issueshighlighted. From the recommendations proffered implementation was expedited,
the result will be long term but one of the short term results has been proof by statistics
that there is an increase in the enrolment of the girl child at primary school level.
In primary and secondary institutions, the discourse of human rights is not in the context
of the curriculum. In tertiary institutions efforts are being made for elements of human
rights and democracy to be included in the curriculum.
Cultural rights are protected by section 12 of the constitution of Sierra Leone. Creative
and Practical Arts is included in the school curriculum. Also, local languages are
currently being taught in schools. African Studies, a study of the African Culture and
traditions is being offered in tertiary institutions to help display and promote our culture
there is a national museum in Freetown which, even though it is limited to the capital,
crusades the culture of the nation.
The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) also aids the promotion of culture
by broadcasting programmes on our culture and cultural heritage. To promote the morals
of the State, Religious and Moral Education is included in the school curriculum.
The enactment of the Customary Marriage and Divorce Act, the Child Rights Act which
have discouraged and isolated negative traditional practices such as forced marriage,
early marriage, deprivation of women of property ownership, and to protect women in
areas of inheritance etc. Also, measures are in place to preserve and enhance the practices
of dispute resolutions through the traditional courts.
Despite these improvements, there are still certain challenges Sierra Leone is faced with.
One such challenge is the importation of the western culture in our society, which has
greatly undermined our cultural, traditional and moral values. There are also harmful
traditional practices still in practice.
10
Act No. 2 of 2004
Act No. 8 of 2001
12
Act No. 9 of 2001
13
Act No.1 of 2011
14
Act No. 10 of 2001
15
Act No. 1 of 2005
11
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