Minister Sackey Launches Dissemination of P0 and P2 National Learning Assessment Report

The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Hon. Conrad O. Sackey, has reaffirmed his commitment to reducing learning poverty and improving foundational learning outcomes in Sierra Leone during the launch of the dissemination of the Primary 0 (P0) and Primary 2 (P2) National Learning Assessment Report.

The event, held on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, focused on the importance of assessing learning outcomes at the foundational level and using evidence-based approaches to address challenges affecting pupils' ability to acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills.

Delivering an emotional keynote address, Minister Sackey outlined five key indicators that will guide the Ministry's efforts to reduce learning poverty and improve the quality of education, particularly during the early years of learning.

The five key commitments are:

1. Scaling Up Structured Pedagogy

The Minister emphasised the importance of scaling up structured pedagogy to strengthen teaching and learning in schools. This approach involves providing teachers with clear instructional guidance, appropriate learning materials, and effective teaching methods to improve pupils' understanding and academic performance.

2. Improving Instructional Time

Minister Sackey underscored the need to increase time on task by ensuring that teachers and pupils make effective use of available instructional time. Maximising classroom teaching and learning time is essential to improving foundational skills and ensuring that pupils achieve expected learning outcomes.

3. Promoting Mother-Tongue Instruction

The Minister highlighted the importance of mother-tongue instruction in strengthening foundational learning. Teaching children in languages they understand can help improve comprehension, classroom participation, and the development of early literacy skills.

4. Using Data and Evidence to Inform Policy

He stressed that reliable data and evidence must serve as the foundation for education policy and decision-making. The findings of the P0 and P2 National Learning Assessment Report are expected to help education authorities identify learning gaps, develop targeted interventions, and monitor progress towards improved learning outcomes.

5. Strengthening Accountability

The Minister also emphasised accountability as a critical component of education reform. Strengthening accountability across the education system will require stakeholders to take responsibility for their roles in improving teaching quality, ensuring effective use of instructional time, and achieving measurable learning outcomes.

Minister Sackey's keynote address renewed the call for collective action to tackle learning poverty and strengthen the foundation upon which children's future educational success depends.

The dissemination of the P0 and P2 National Learning Assessment Report represents an important opportunity for education stakeholders to reflect on the state of foundational learning in Sierra Leone and use assessment findings to inform practical solutions.

By prioritising structured pedagogy, instructional time, mother-tongue instruction, evidence-based policymaking, and accountability, the Ministry aims to strengthen the delivery of foundational education and improve learning outcomes for children across the country.

The Minister's commitments underscore the importance of ensuring that every child acquires the essential skills needed to progress through the education system and contribute meaningfully to national development.