Sierra Leone teachers face discipline for census training
The Teaching Service Commission warns educators abandoning classrooms for census work will face action.
Teachers in Sierra Leone's Koinadugu and Falaba districts have abandoned classrooms for census training, prompting a warning of disciplinary action from the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). School heads reported teacher absenteeism during the 12-day training for census enumerators and supervisors, leading the TSC to deploy monitoring teams. Deputy Director Paul Issa Kamara stated that absent teachers must return to their posts or face serious consequences under professional regulations.
Rev. David Y. Marah, Education Secretary for MCA Schools in Falaba District, expressed concern that these absences could disrupt school administration and negatively impact pupils' academic performance, especially in remote areas with limited educational support. The TSC acknowledged the role of community teachers, who often supplement government staff in underserved regions, and encouraged their continued support for schools during the census training period.
This exodus follows a 2022 incident where the TSC suspended salaries for 169 teachers in Bombali District for similar unauthorized absences. The National Teacher Policy outlines measures like salary withholding, suspension, and dismissal for code of conduct breaches. The TSC is appealing for cooperation from civil society, education officers, and communities to ensure census activities do not undermine pupils' right to education.
Why it mattersPupils in Koinadugu and Falaba districts risk disrupted education as teachers prioritize census training over classroom instruction.