International Day of Education is aday set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the role of education for peace and development and to showcaseimportant transformations that must be nurtured to realize everyone’s fundamental right to education and build a more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful futures. This year’s theme is “Changing Course, Transforming Education”. As a key partner in the education sector of Sierra Leone, CRS through theMcGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Programin collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and other partners organized a one-day seminarfor school children and school administrators in commemoration ofthe International Day of Educationin Falaba and Koinadugu districts.
TheMcGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program being implemented by CRS,seeks to improve literacy level, health and dietary practices of69,731 school age children in Koinadugu and Falaba Districts. Through the program, CRS has provided school meals to 51,458 students and teachers, constructed, and rehabilitated over 300school facilities (school blocks, latrines, boreholes, and storerooms) and provided teaching and learning materials to schools in Koinadugu and Falaba districts. As part of a comprehensive intervention that seeks to promote increased knowledge and sustainability, the program trains teachers,school administrators and community-based organizations to improve quality education in the districts. The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In his statement,Alhaji M. Jallohrepresenting the Teaching Service Commission expressed his gratitude toCatholic Relief Services for being a key partner in the educational sector of Sierra Leone and for investing in building capacity of teachers and schools in Koinadugu and Falaba districts. Mr. Alhaji M. Jalloh also emphasized the importance of education and collaboration of development partners.
The program was attended by District Officers of Falaba and Koinadugu districts, representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, School Pupils and Teachers and representative from the Teaching Service Commission.