Miss Sankoh described teachers as been in a unique position to influence the greatest number of people over the years. She encouraged the teachers to view the learning process as not only from the angle of content but by the teachers themselves demonstrating high sense of morality, integrity and dedication, so that children can learn good values from them.“If teachers don’t have integrity how would they instill that moral obligation on pupils?” she asked.
The Director gave instances of acts that have been affecting the country’s educational sector, including exams malpractices, illegal charges, fake admission, sex for grade, illegal sale of pamphlets, camping, bribery and extortion, acts she also described as damaging the future of the children. She also pointed out that it is sad that parents and guardians also have a hand in perpetrating some of these unholy acts in the guise of helping their children or wards. She said the Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, will work to address the ills plaguing the education sector, adding that the ACC will soon start engaging community teachers associations across the country on the issues.
Miss Sankoh also warned teachers in the rural areas against the habit of using pupils as labourers and sending them on errands that have no bearing with learning. She admonished the principals and head teachers to show more commitment to their work by monitoring the activities of teachers in schools and to take appropriate actions when they engage in any wrongdoing.
Public Education Officer Magnus Bendu explained the need for the setting up of integrity clubs in secondary schools for pupils to serve as integrity ambassadors among their colleagues. This, he said, is to catch them young and for them to imbibe the values that will make them good citizens.
One of the participants, Rev. Frank T. Conteh whilst giving the vote of thanks praised the Commission for its efforts in the fight against corruption in the country and described the engagement as a very proactive strategy. He requested that the scope of the training be expanded to include more schools.
