Stakeholders' perception on implementing the Free Quality School Education initiative in Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone.

Abstract

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and multilateral agencies have long prioritized suitable education for children. The right to education applies to all people at all stages of life, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ILO conventions and recommendations, of which the Convention on the Child and the Right to Education is critical. The negative effects of lack of education can lead to poverty and deprivation in early childhood, with lifelong consequences. The primary objective of this study is to assess stakeholders’ perception of implementing the Free Quality School Education initiative in Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone. This study employed the descriptive survey research design because the researcher collected data and reported how things were without manipulating any variables. The study was conducted in government and government-assisted primary schools with subsidies in the Bombali District, Northern, Sierra Leone. The total population of teachers within Bombali district in government and government-assisted primary and secondary schools was approximately 3,200 (TSC figures 2015). The researcher used different sampling techniques that cut across from simple random sampling techniques to purposive sampling techniques. Here, the researchers used both primary and secondary sources of data for the study. The main instruments for data collection included structured questionnaire. Data was presented in various forms such as tables, and graphs. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. It was concluded that the FQSE has also been touted as a means to reduce dropout rates among students at the primary school level, increase primary school enrolment rates for girl, curb teenage pregnancy, and to significantly improve the working conditions of teachers.

Keywords: Stakeholders, perception, school, education, free quality, initiative,.