Sierra Leone: Education Ministry prohibits extra classes

The Ministry of Basic and senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), has on Monday June 29, 2020, prohibited extra classes within school facilities beyond 2:00pm.

The prohibition is to ensure compliance with measures to contain the Coronavirus and adherence to other regulations which had been put in place by the government to control the operations of schools in line with maintaining safety.

The Ministry of Education in partnership with the Teaching Service Commission suggested schooling operations, following the reopening of schools for public examinations.

MBSSE said in statement that registration may start at around 8:45am – 9:00am, First Period Classes may start at 9:am-9:40am, Second Period may start at 9:40am – 10:20am, Third Period may start at 10:20am – 11:00am, Fourth period may start at 11:00am – 11:40am, before lunch break which is suggested for approximately 11:00 am – 12:00 am.

After lunch, Fifth Period may start 12:00pm – 12:40 pm, Sixth Period may start at 12:40pm – 1:20pm, and Seventh Period may start at 1:20pm – 2:00pm on a daily basis.

The MBSSE stated that they along with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation/Covid-19 Emergency Response Centre, as well as education partners would continue to organize, coordinate and monitor all schools that would be reopening to ensure the maximum safety of pupils and teachers.  

“The MBSSE will communicate any further details about the operation of schools through official channels. Citizens are therefore advised to use only verified information from MBSSE published on the Ministry’s official website (www.mbsse.gov.sl) or other channels but with MBSSE official stamps,” the ministry advised.

By Hasbin Shaw

1/7/2020. ISSUE NO.: 7855