 the Community Education Investment Programme (which benefited 2,788 children);  the Complementary Rapid Education Programme (CREP) which ensured the enrolment of 11,857 children in 184 educational centres (Government of Sierra Leone, 2006); and  The provision of educational materials and support by UNIECF Sierra Leone for all registered separated children and children involved as soldiers in the war. 374.3 The introduction of a fee free primary education policy in 2002/03. 374.4 The enactment of the Education Act in 2004 which:  makes basic primary education and three years of junior secondary school (JSS) compulsory  makes neglect by a parent to send a child to school during his or her compulsory years a punishable criminal offence;  makes primary education free and free and commits to move progressively to free junior secondary schooling;  aims to improve access for especially marginalized children (particularly girls and women); and  aims to improve the quality of education. 374.5 The passing of the Local Government Act in 2004 which decentralised the administration and management of primary education to local councils so as to make education planning and implementation more responsive and democratic. Local councils are responsible for recruitment and payment of teachers, the provision of textbooks and teaching materials and the rehabilitation and construction of schools. 374.6 The development of a number of policies to address the underlying barriers preventing especially vulnerable children from accessing, remaining at, completing and/or doing well at schools. Children targeted include those living in poverty, the girl-child and children with disabilities. Targeted barriers include the cost of education and social and cultural norms and practices. Policies and programmes include:  The provision of free primary education for all children at public primary schools and the payment of fees at JSS for girls for three terms in JSS 1, two terms in JSS2 and one term in JSS3. Examination fees are also paid by the GoSL, including the end of SSS exams. A number of SSS offer subsidized boarding and SSS fees are subsidized for girls studying Maths and Science  The implementation of a School Feeding Programme coordinated by the MEST at 1,365 schools nation-wide. 374.7 Programmes and campaigns specifically targeted at improving access, retention and school completion for girls. Girls’ educational opportunities, access, retention, and performance are much poorer than for boys. This is particularly true at secondary education levels because of socio-cultural 8. The Right to Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities  95