AYV News, June 23, 2024
At a powerful convening on Championing Gender Equality and Inclusive Education, held at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, delivered a compelling opening statement affirming Sierra Leone’s bold journey toward inclusive and equitable learning for all.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley, was themed “Leave No One Behind: Education is a Right.” It brought together a cross-section of stakeholders — including the Minister of Higher Education, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, civil society activists, students, lecturers, members of the disability community, representatives from the University of the Fraser Valley, and the media.
In his remarks, Minister Bah reflected on the groundbreaking Radical Inclusion Policy and its transformational impact. He recalled his personal involvement in the advocacy that led to overturning the discriminatory ban against pregnant girls in schools, a policy shift that paved the way for broader education reforms in Sierra Leone.
He commended the incredible work of President Bio, highlighting, “One of the reasons that I love and respect President Bio is because he listens,” Minister Bah said. “He saw the facts. He didn’t just change his mind — he became a global champion for radical inclusion. He enacted a policy that said, let’s not just think about pregnant girls. Let’s think about how we remove any and all barriers — for girls, for children in rural areas, for people with disabilities — and let’s open the doors of education for everybody.”
Minister Bah highlighted how President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership has elevated inclusive education as a national imperative. From policy reform to public advocacy, the government continues to challenge structural inequities and promote learning environments that serve all children, regardless of gender, geography, or ability.
The event served not only as a celebration of progress but also as a call to action — reinforcing the belief that access to quality education is not a privilege, but a right.
